Estudo comparativo sobre qualidade de vida, sobrecarga e sintomas musculoesqueléticos em cuidadores de idosos

Objective: To compare Quality of Life, musculoskeletal symptoms and overloads in caregivers of the elderly. Methods: This is an epidemiological, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and quantitative study, whose sample consisted of seventy-six individuals of both sexes, aged between 18 and 55 years, allocated in two groups, formal caregivers (Group A) and family caregivers (Group B). Data were collected with the WHOQOL-BREF, QNSO and EZBI questionnaires. Results: General Quality of Life (GQL) was higher in Group A than in B. Light overload was mostly concentrated in Group B and severe overload in Group A. In musculoskeletal symptoms, Group A suffered lumbar, dorsal and shoulder involvement. There were absences due to lumbar, dorsal and shoulder involvement. In Group B, there were lower back, shoulder and back injuries. There were no absences in this group, despite having been overloaded and being more exposed to musculoskeletal symptoms and lower QOL, maybe they performed their activities anonymously, without formal ties in the performance of their functions. Conclusion: Group A suffered less wear and tear, moving away from work activities, while Group B suffered more wear and tear, however with no absence from work.