Prevalência de Sintomas Osteomusculares em Cuidadores de Pacientes Dependentes

Abstract

Chronic diseases are increasingly increasing in the population, leading individuals to dependence, where the need for caregiver assistance is greatest. Caregivers are at a greater risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders because of the overhead imposed on care. The objectives of this work are analyze the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in caregivers of dependent patients, to assess the presence of tingling, pain or numbness in the caregivers' body, to assess pain level and to advise on techniques for the prevention of western muscle dysfunction. This was a descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of thirteen caregivers of dependent patients. All the caregivers were evaluated through the Nordic questionnaire and the Visual Analogue Scale and oriented on patient mobilization techniques according to Ergonomics for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (2003). There was a significant amount of pain present in the individuals, but not all caregivers report having pain due to the risk of losing their job, then they come to accept the new reality. It is concluded that it is fundamental importance the evaluation of musculoskeletal symptoms in caregivers and a program of guidelines in order to avoid health problems of the caregiver of dependent patients.