571: Prevalence of WMSD among Healthcare Workers in Brazil (2007-2023)

Topic: Education, Societal Impact, and Others
Subtopic: Epidemiology

Background and Aims: Work in the health sector involves exposure to various risk factors, including ergonomic demands, repetitive movements, and inadequate postures, primary triggers for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD)(1,2). These conditions are the most frequent occupational diseases in Brazil(3), impacting professionals’ quality of life and health service efficiency(3–5). Despite their relevance, there is a gap in knowledge regarding updated longitudinal studies that map the national prevalence and the profile of affected healthcare workers (HCW) over the last decades. Thus, the objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and sociodemographic profile of WMSD among HCW in Brazil between 2007 and 2023.

Methods: This ecological, quantitative, and descriptive study used secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) and the National Register of Health Establishments (CNES). The study population comprised cases classified under the National Classification of Economic Activities (CNAE) for human health, and the Brazilian Classification of Occupations (CBO). Spatial, sociodemographic, occupational, and health-related variables were analyzed, with calculation of prevalence rates (per 100,000 HCW) and proportional percentage variations (PPV). The distribution of cases was examined across Brazilian regions and professional categories in health services.

Results: Between 2007-2023, 5,793 WMSD cases were reported among HCW, representing a 576.6% increase. The profile was predominantly female (87.3%), white (48.8%), aged 40–49 years (37.1%), with secondary education (58.9%) and formal employment (41.1%). Prevalence (/100k) peaked in 2017 (15.6), declined during COVID-19, and rebounded in 2023, with heterogeneity across states. Higher prevalence occurred among Public Health Agents (744.3). Clinical findings included pain (97.2%) and task-related disability (80.9%). Exposures involved repetitive movements (89.1%), shifts >6h, and stress (63.2%). Females showed higher rates of upper limb mononeuropathies (94.1%), while males reported intervertebral disorders (18.8%). Most prevalent outcome: temporary disability (67.2%).

Conclusions: The findings demonstrate a substantial increase in WMSD notifications alongside persistent underreporting and marked regional inequalities in surveillance. Although notifications and PPV rose over time, prevalence remains significantly below international estimates, indicating that official records likely capture only a fraction of the actual morbidity. The predominance among women and the concentration in vulnerable professional groups reflect structural occupational exposures and cumulative physical and emotional strain. Strengthening surveillance systems, improving reporting quality, and implementing targeted prevention strategies are essential. Protecting the health of HCW is fundamental to sustaining the resilience and effectiveness of the very systems they operate and sustain.

References: 1. Lourenção LG, da Silva FR, Gazetta CE, Cunha CLF, Sassaki NSGMS, do Nascimento VF, et al. Sintomas osteomusculares em profissionais da Atenção Primária à Saúde. Rev Epidemiol Controle Infecção. 2024;14(2):273‑80. doi: https://doi.org/10.17058/reci.v14i2.19039

2.Santana YVM, Souza VSS, Martins LHL, Colares JGC, Alencar GO, Resende AMA, et al. Distúrbios osteomusculares relacionados ao trabalho: acometimento em profissionais da saúde. Braz J Dev. 2023;9(4):14132–44. doi: https://doi.org/10.34117/bjdv9n4-109

3.Brasil. Ministério da Saúde. LER e DORT são as doenças que mais acometem os trabalhadores, aponta estudo. 2019. Available from: https://www.gov.br/saude/pt-br/assuntos/noticias/2019/abril/ler-e-dort-sao-as-doencas-que-mais-acometem-os-trabalhadores-aponta-estudo

4.Silva SM da, Braga NT, Soares RÂ de Q, Baptista PPC. Distúrbios osteomusculares e ações para reduzir a ocorrência em trabalhadores de enfermagem. Rev Enferm UERJ. 2020;28. doi: https://doi.org/10.12957/reuerj.2020.48522

5.Magalhães FB, Lima MAG, Neves RF, Black KC, Araújo TM, Porto LA. Avaliação de incapacidade e funcionalidade de trabalhadoras com LER/DORT: uso da CIF em checklist. Rev Bras Med Trab. 2019;17(4):545–56. doi: https://doi.org/10.5327/Z1679443520190443

Presenting Author: Giulia Santos Santana
Submitting Author: Giulia Santana

Senior Author: Tatiane Araújo dos Santos

IASP 2026 Global Year theme of Neuropathic Pain: No

• Tarciso de Figueiredo Palma: PHD - Centro Universitário de Excelência
• Alcylene Carla de Jesus dos Santos: PHD - Universidade do Estado da Bahia
• Tatiane Araújo dos Santos: PHD - Universidade Federal da Bahia