The burden of musculoskeletal symptoms in caregivers of children with congenital Zika syndrome: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

The continuous daily care required by children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) may overload the lives of caregivers. However, little is known about the factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms experienced by caregivers. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in caregivers of children with CZS and identify its associated factors. This cross-sectional study included caregivers of children with CZS from northeast Brazil. Musculoskeletal symptoms were assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Information about caregivers, pregnancy, childbirth, general aspects, and neuropsychomotor development of children with CZS were also recorded. Musculoskeletal symptoms of caregivers were analyzed using bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression. We included 41 caregivers, of whom 39 (95.12%) had musculoskeletal symptoms in the last 12 months, and 31 (75.61%) had symptoms in the last 7 days. However, less than half considered these symptoms incapacitating to require the absence from their activities (43.90%) or a medical consultation (26.83%). The presence of symptoms in at least one body region was associated with occupational activities, number of children with or without disability, caregiver age, current head circumference, child age, and ability of the child to sit without support. Musculoskeletal symptoms were not considered incapacitating by caregivers of children with CZS despite its high prevalence. The characteristics of the caregiver and children were associated with the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms.