Factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms and heart rate variability among cleaners – cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: The professionals who perform cleaning activity constitute a major economic sector in Brazil. Cleaners may develop health problems related to the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. It is necessary to understand the working and health conditions of cleaners in Brazil. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms and heart rate variability (HRV) among cleaners. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted at a public higher education institution with 45 outsourced cleaners following approval from the institutional ethics committee. The participants answered a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic, occupational and health data, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, the Physical Activity Questionnaire (work and leisure) and the short version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire. Clinical data (height, body mass, waist-to-hip ratio and blood pressure) and heart rate variability (HRV) were also collected. Logistic and linear regression models were created to identify factors associated with symptoms and HRV. Results: The sample consisted of women (100%) predominantly older than 50 years of age (44%), without a conjugal life (64%), with three or more children (59%), low educational level (58%) and who worked less than 12 months at the company (87%). Systemic arterial hypertension (23%) was the most reported health problem. The highest frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms was identified in the lower limbs (ankles/feet: 31% in the previous 12 months and 24% in the previous 7 days; knees: 31% in the previous 12 months and 20% in the previous 7 days). Moreover, the workers reported not practicing physical activity during leisure time (84%). Psychosocial aspects indicated health risks for the dimensions "influence at work" (74%), "burnout" (59%) and "stress" (52%). Associations were found between ankle/foot symptoms and body mass index, shoulder symptoms and predictability, and knee symptoms and self-rated health and burnout. HRV indices were associated with age. Conclusions: This study outlined the profile of female cleaners and identified risk factors. The workers exhibited musculoskeletal symptoms, which were associated with the body mass index and some psychosocial factors. HRV indices were associated with age. Thus, health promotion and prevention measures should be taken to benefit this population of workers.

Differences in cardiovascular risk levels between cleaning staff and hotel housekeepers

“…In an American study on hotel housekeepers, 21% of them met the criteria for high blood pressure, 36 with values close to the ones obtained in our study. A Brazilian study 37 carried out on 45 cleaning workers to evaluate musculoskeletal disorders found a prevalence of arterial hypertension of 23%, also very similar to our results.…”

The relationship between perceived health and psychosocial risk in women in the service sector (cleaning)

“…In short, women who work in the cleaning sector have a high probability of present a great loss of health. This has been found in USA (14,(27)(28)(29)(30)(31), Denmark (32)(33)(34) and Brazil (35,36) women and men (35), in hospital cleaning services. However, no studies have been found that examine the health status and psychosocial risks of female cleaning workers in Spain.…”

Ergonomic risks and musculoskeletal pain in hospital cleaning workers: Convergent Care Research with mixed methods

“…This scenario is characterized by manual and repetitive activities, little mechanical assistance, muscular effort excess, use of force and intense rhythm ( 6 ) . In addition, cleaning activities are permeated by non-ergonomic body postures that are associated with load handling tasks and frequent static muscle work in pulling, pushing, standing and walking ( 8 - 9 ) .…”