OBJECTIVE:
to describe the prevalence of self-reported chronic spine complaints and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in Brazilian adults, according to sociodemographic variables.
METHODS:
this was a descriptive study using National Health Survey data (2013) on 60,202 adults. Prevalence rates and confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated.
RESULTS:
18.5% of adults reported chronic spine complaints (95%CI:17.8-19.1); complaints were higher among women (21.1%; 95%CI:20.2-21.9), individuals with less schooling (24.6%; 95%CI:23.5-25.6), and those resident in Southern Brazil (23,3%; 95%CI:21.6-25.1). 16.4% (95%CI:15.2-17.6) of those reporting spine complaints stated having a high/very high degree of limitations in performing everyday activities, especially in rural areas (20.3%; 95%CI:17.5-23.0). WMSDs were reported by 2.4% of adults (95%CI:2.2-2.7) and were higher in women (3.3%; 95%CI:2.9-3.7) and individuals with university level education (3.8%; 95%CI:3.0-4.7), while lower prevalence was observed in Northern Brazil (0.7%; 95%CI:0.5-1.0).
CONCLUSION:
chronic spine complaint prevalence was high; although WMSD prevalence was low, possibly indicating lack of diagnosis of this condition.
Spinal Diseases; Cumulative Trauma Disorders; Epidemiology, Descriptive; Health Surveys
