Prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal diseases by demographic and health variables: cross-sectional study of elderly of Goiânia/GO

Abstract Objective Estimate the prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal disorders in elderlies according to demographic variables, pain, self-assessment of health and falls. Methods Cross-sectional and population-based study with a probabilistic sample of 934 seniors living in Goiania, GO. It was applied a standardized and semi-structured questionnaire. The outcome variable was self-reported musculoskeletal disorders by elderly and exposure were demographic, self-assessment health, falls, pain and physical activity. For analysis, we used the Chi-square test or Fisher and Poisson regression (value of p<0.05). Results We evaluated 934 elderly, 62.2% were women, average of 71.4 years (±8.3). The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was 39.1% (95% CI -42.3 35.9), being the most frequent: osteoporosis (24.6%), arthritis (2.9%), rheumatism (1.2%) and arthritis (0.6%). The prevalence was higher in women (44.7%; p=0.000); age ≥ 80 years (44.7%; p=0.002); self-assessment of bad health (55.9%; p=0.000); report of pain (43.4%; p=0.001). There was no association between musculoskeletal disorders and falls (p=0.671) and sedentary (p=0.167). Conclusion We observed a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the elderly with high age group which suggests interventions in the control of the general health conditions and pain.