Predictors of quality of life in workers with repetitive strain injuries/work-related musculoskeletal disorders: cross-sectional study

Objective: to evaluate the predictors of quality of life in workers with Repetitive Strain Injuries/Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders. Método: a descriptive, cross-sectional study with an exploratory and quantitative methodology in 2019. Sociodemographic aspects, the intensity of musculoskeletal symptoms, musculoskeletal and emotional comorbidities, and the quality of life of the workers were evaluated. Linear regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of the quality of life domains. Results: a total of 68 workers participated, with an average age of 50.1±7.25 years. The lowest quality of life mean score was for the Physical Domain and the highest was for the Social Domain. A higher number of musculoskeletal comorbidities predicted greater impairment in the Physical Domain (?= -0.280, p=0.048) and Social Domain (?= -0.390, p=0.006); a higher number of emotional comorbidities predicted greater impairment in the Psychological Domain (?= -0.332, p=0.005); and older age (?= -0.415, p=0.001) predicted greater impairment in the Environmental Domain of quality of life. Conclusions: In the evaluated workers with Repetitive Strain Injuries/Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders, a higher number of musculoskeletal comorbidities predicted greater impairment in the Physical Domain and Social Domain; a higher number of emotional comorbidities predicted greater impairment in the Psychological Domain; and older age predicted greater impairment in the Environmental Domain of quality of life. The findings of this study highlight important aspects for the formulation of specific public policies aimed at promoting health and preventing complications to improve the quality of life of this population.