Musculoskeletal disorders, associated factors, and literature review for intervention according to gender

The relationship of risk factors with musculoskeletal disorders and their intervention is a topic of interest, given their prevalence among workers. Thus, analyzing risk factors from approaches such as the gender perspective may be an alternative.

To analyze risk factors in a health entity with a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in upper limbs and to describe possible intervention measures according to scientific evidence, from a gender perspective.

This is an analytical study. A questionnaire was applied to 93 workers on demographic aspects, presence of factors related to the environment, the task, and the organization, extra-work activities related to musculoskeletal disorders in the upper limbs. Chi-square was used to identify significant relationships between the sex variable and individual, occupational, and non-occupational factors, corroborated by Fisher's test and prevalence ratio. According to the associations identified, a literature review was carried out to establish possible strategies.

Significant relationships were found between the sex variable and task-related factors such as the presence of repetitive or sudden movements (p < 0.05), supporting postulates of labor segregation. According to the literature consulted, the effectiveness of activities such as physical preparation and adaptation of the workplace under professional guidance, training activities, and breaks is discussed. It is important to review organizational factors.

By identifying significant relationships between the sex variable and task-related factors, the present study contributes to the postulate of labor segregation, in terms of concentration of female labor in activities with particular working conditions. Regarding literature and actions, it is important to generate more studies from this perspective.