Work ability and musculoskeletal disorders among workers from a public health institution.

Objective: The study investigated the associations between diagnosed musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), work ability and demographics, work and lifestyle characteristics in a public health institution with a variety of occupations.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a public health institution in Brazil. The subjects (n = 168) aged 20-69 answered a questionnaire on demographics, work, lifestyle characteristics and the work ability index.

Results: A univariate regression analysis was carried out with the presence of MSD as a dependent variable. Association was found in relation to the age group, type of work demand, tenure at the institution, body mass index, work in the nutrition and laundry sectors, being a maid in the previous job, auxiliary service and auxiliary maintenance occupations, work ability in relation to physical and mental demands, estimated work impairment due to diseases, sick leave in the past year, own prognosis of work ability in 2 years' time and mental resources: enjoying daily activities, being active and alert, being full of hope for the future.

Conclusion: The presence of MSD affected several aspects of work ability.