Musculoskeletal disorders and the work of the technicians and nursing assistants in homes for the aged

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate organizational and working conditions and related aspects with musculoskeletal disorders in technicians and nursing assistants in homes for the aged. Carried out a survey of the technicians and nursing assistants, through a questionnaire containing personal data (gender, age, education), work, and about musculoskeletal symptoms; instrumental Barthel Index with the elderly, and subsequently carrying out semi-structured interviews were recorded and transcribed for content analysis categories. Unfavorable conditions of physical space and equipment, fast pace, insufficient workers, overloads in the bath and diaper changing, poor relationships with peers, among others, were listed and indicate relations to musculoskeletal disorders at work. Situations related to the organization, working conditions tend to worsen the appearance of musculoskeletal disorders, and prevention aspects are necessary in those places.

Keywords

• working conditions. cumulative trauma disorders. homes for the aged. nursing.