Risk factors for musculoskeletal and depressive symptoms among Brazilian healthcare workers from the HEROES cohort - a prospective longitudinal study.

Objectives. This study aimed to identify occupational, personal and psychosocial risk factors associated with musculoskeletal and depressive symptoms in a cohort of Brazilian healthcare workers (HEROES). Methods. The prospective cohort study included 125 healthcare workers from the Brazilian Healthcare System (SUS). Data were collected via e-surveys using a sociodemographic questionnaire, Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire, Beck depression inventory, Copenhagen psychosocial questionnaire and Pittsburgh sleep quality index. The follow-up response was 64, 52, 50 and 49% at 3, 6, 9 and 12-month follow-up, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression identified the main risk factors for musculoskeletal and depressive symptoms. Results. At 3 months, sleep quality, burnout, age, stress, quantitative demands, skill development and emotional demands were associated with musculoskeletal symptoms and recognition was associated with depressive symptoms. At 6 months, justice, stress and age were associated with musculoskeletal symptoms and recognition was associated with musculoskeletal and depressive symptoms. At 9 months, burnout, stress, sleep quality and emotional demands were associated with musculoskeletal symptoms. At 12 months, sleep quality was associated with musculoskeletal symptoms and recognition was associated with depression symptoms. Conclusion. Personal and psychosocial risk factors were significantly associated with musculoskeletal and depressive symptoms. Future intervention studies should emphasize these factors, with larger samples.