PERCEPTION OF MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS AND INDIVIDUAL FACTORS IN JANITORIAL SERVICE WORKERS

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders are work-related conditions that present with symptoms caused by risky work activities affecting muscles, joints, tendons and nerves of different anatomical regions of the body. The general objective of this research was the perception of musculoskeletal symptoms and individual factors in cleaning service workers. It is a quantitative study with a cross-sectional descriptive scope. The techniques used were the survey and the measurement of weight and height to obtain the body mass index. The results show that 64.5 % of the workers are women. 35.5 % are young adults and 41.9 % have 1 to 3 years of work experience. The majority work between 21 and 40 hours per week (54.8%). In addition, 42 % have a normal weight, however, the majority of the workers 58 % present alteration in their weight. The body area most affected in the last 12 months was the neck with 61.3 %, while in the last 7 days this percentage decreased to 16.1 % in the same body area. A total of 83.87 % of the workers reported impairments when performing their work activities. In conclusion, the neck is the area with the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms. Predominant among the individual factors are women, young adults, standard working hours and cases of overweight/obesity. It is crucial to implement preventive measures.