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Factors Associated With Craniocervical and Otological Symptoms in Healthcare Workers During Covid-19 Pandemic: A
Anita Almeida Gonzaga1, Jade Louise Alves Macedo Padilha Silva1, Rafaella Silva Dos Santos Aguiar Gonçalves1
1Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.
Background:
Increased personal protective equipment (PPE) use, working hours and psychological disorders were observed among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, possibly leading to craniocervical and otological symptoms.
Objective:
This study aimed to identify factors associated with craniocervical and otological symptoms in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods:
A total of 147 healthcare workers in the care of patients with COVID-19 were included. Craniocervical symptoms (headache, orofacial pain and neck pain), otological symptoms and PPE use before and during the pandemic were assessed. Pearson's chi-square, McNemar's tests, the paired t-test and a binary logistic regression were used for analysis.
Results:
The onset of symptoms during the pandemic was 44.2% for headache, 36.7% for orofacial pain, 38.0% for neck pain and 54.4% for otological symptoms. Worsening of pre-existing symptoms was observed for headache (59.5%), orofacial pain (60.8%), neck pain (38.7%), and otological symptoms (29.4%). Depressive symptoms, associated symptoms and co-occurrence of symptoms during the pandemic were associated with the onset of craniocervical symptoms (OR 2.42-3.99). The use and duration of surgical masks before the pandemic and face shield and orofacial pain during the pandemic were associated factors to the onset of otological symptoms (OR 2.98-3.89). Working in the nursing ward, female sex, lack of physical activity and previous medical history were associated with the worsening of pre-existing craniocervical symptoms (OR 3.25-4.72).
Conclusion:
Craniocervical and otological symptoms increased among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing biopsychosocial factors may mitigate the health burden and improve the quality of care.
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