# Prevalence of low back pain and work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Brazilian domestics and cleaners: 2013 and 2019 National Health Survey

## TL;DR

This study found that low back pain and musculoskeletal disorders are common among Brazilian domestic and cleaning workers, with links to depression and other factors.

## Contribution

The study provides updated prevalence data and identifies predictive factors for low back pain and musculoskeletal disorders in Brazilian domestic workers.

## Key findings

- Low back pain prevalence increased slightly from 19.1% in 2013 to 20.6% in 2019.
- Depressive symptoms were strongly associated with both low back pain and musculoskeletal disorders.
- Domestic workers were less likely to have musculoskeletal disorders compared to cleaners.

## Abstract

Low back pain and work-related musculoskeletal disorders are two of the leading causes
of absenteeism worldwide.

To determine the prevalence and predictive factors of low back pain and work-related
musculoskeletal disorders in Brazilian domestics and cleaners.

This population-based cross-sectional study used data from the 2013 and 2019 National
Health Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde), involving a total of 8,160 workers.
The prevalence of low back pain and work-related musculoskeletal disorders was
calculated based on adjusted prevalence ratio by Poisson regression and 95%CI.

The prevalence of lowback pain was 19.1% in 2013 and 20.6% in 2019, while the
prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was 2.2% in 2013 and 2.4% in 2019. Low back pain
was associated with older age (prevalence ratio: 1.74; 95%CI 1.44-2.09), poor or very
poor self-rated health (prevalence ratio: 2.10; 95%CI 1.76-2.50), holding a prepaid
health plan (prevalence ratio: 1.27; 95%CI 1.09-1.47), and moderately severe (prevalence
ratio: 2.27; 95%CI 1.84-2.80) or severe (prevalence ratio: 2.32; 95%CI 1.77-3.04)
depressive symptoms. Musculoskeletal disorders affected domestics less frequently
(prevalence ratio: 0.53; 95%CI 0.40-0.72) and were associated with women (prevalence
ratio: 2.50; 95%CI 1.34-4.66), adults (40-59 years) (prevalence ratio: 1.79; 95%CI
1.26-2.55), holding a prepaid health plan (prevalence ratio: 2.31; 95%CI 1.63-3.26), and
the presence of moderately severe (prevalence ratio: 4.00; 95%CI 2.34-6.86) or severe
(prevalence ratio: 3.63; 95%CI 1.77-7.46) depressive symptoms.

Brazilian domestics and cleaners need interventions and improvements in health care
given the prevalence of low back pain and musculoskeletal disorders as well as their
association with depression.