Musculoskeletal disorders in adolescents: A study on prevalence and determining factors

Abstract

Objective: To identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in adolescents, and to analyze this prevalence relationship with sociodemographic, anthropometric and contextual variables. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, descriptive/relational study with quantitative approach was conceptualized, involving 632 adolescents with mean age of 13.36 from six school groups from Central and North Portugal. Data collection protocol included questions of sociodemographic, anthropometric and contextual nature, and also the "Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire" to assess musculoskeletal disorders. Results: Data showed that 47.4% of adolescents mentioned musculoskeletal disorders within the last 3 months, located in the shoulders (27.8%), dorsal region (25.3%), thigh/hips (26.1%), neck (23.4%), lumbar region (22.8%), and knees (19.6%). We found that musculoskeletal disorders are more prevalent in female adolescents, and among those who spend longer time watching television per day, and also those who go to school by foot or bicycle. Conclusion: The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in adolescents is high and has multicausal origin, turning imperative the implementation of preventive and readapted actions to promote a better musculoskeletal function.