Chronic pain and associated factors in remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil

Abstract

Objective: Estimate the prevalence of chronic pain and its association with symptoms of anxiety, sleep disorders, and aspects of remote work in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: A cross-sectional and descriptive study conducted with 328 adults engaged in remote work. Data was collected online from February 2021 to January 2022. For pain investigation and evaluations of sleep and anxiety, a structured questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 were used, respectively. Results: The prevalence of chronic pain was 47.9% (CI 95% = 42.5-53.3). Associations were identified between pain and anxiety, sleep disorders, and sitting time (p<0.01). Conclusion: The prevalence of chronic pain in remote work was found to be high, with pain being of moderate intensity and associated with anxiety, sleep disorders, and prolonged sitting time.