Musculoskeletal symptoms perception and its impact on language interpreters’ daily lives

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the perception of musculoskeletal symptoms and their repercussion in the activities of daily living reported by professional Brazilian sign language interpreters (LIBRAS). Methods: descritive-analytical qualitative research, using thematic categorical content analysis. We used a sociodemographic questionnaire and a semi-structured interview with 12 professional LIBRAS interpreters, working in the primary, secondary, and superior education in the municipality of Goiânia. They were invited via social media, in the first half of 2021. Results: we identified three thematic categories: pain perception, perception of tiredness, and activities of daily living. The professionals were working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This allowed flexibility in the work schedule, with online classes, events, lectures, and congresses participation from the worker’s home. Conclusion: the participants had negative perceptions in all aspects evaluated, evidencing an overload in acting as a sign language interpreter in educational activities.