Epidemiological profile of work-related musculoskeletal disorders cases among industry workers in Brazil between 2007 and 2013

Abstract

Objective:

to describe the epidemiological profile of reported industry work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) in Brazil (2007-2013).

Methods:

descriptive study by secondary data analysis using the Notifiable Diseases Information System (Sinan) database. The proportion of WRMSD cases were calculated according to the study variables, the total and sex WRMSD incidence rates (IR) were estimated and the proportional percentage variance (PPV) throughout the studied period was reckoned.

Results:

17,537 WRMSD industry cases were reported between 2007and 2013. They totaled an IR of 7.4/100,000 workers in 2007, increasing to 16.7/100,000 in 2013, with a PPV of 126%. The three most common diagnoses were shoulder injuries (29.3%), synovial and tendon disorders (14.6%), and back pain (14%).

Conclusion:

the notifications increase indicates the relevance of registering and analyzing the WRMDs cases in order to plan and introduce workers' preventive measures and comprehensive health care. Furthermore, the analysis of specific data, like the related economic activity, indicates the relevance of the discussion on the corporate and employers' responsibility over occupational diseases.

Keywords:
occupational diseases; industry; worker's health; health information system