[Social, demographic and laboral factors associated with the presence of lateral elbow epicondylitis].

OBJECTIVE

To determine the social and demographic factors associated with laboral activities and the presence of lateral epicondylitis of elbow in workers.

METHODS

We conducted an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional sampling for convenience. We included 34 patients with a diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis, both sexes between 20 and 55 years, with occupations requiring repetitive movements of the wrist. They answered a questionnaire with 21 questions. We applied descriptive statistic.

RESULTS

Lateral epicondylitis occurs predominantly in women, aged 42.4 years with a schooling of 8.8 years; the main laboral activities were as cleaning staff (12%), packaging (12%) and mechanical (12%). Thirty five percent of participants made at least two breaks for health. Nine percent were exposed to low temperatures.

CONCLUSIONS

Lateral epicondylitis is a condition that occurs in greater proportion in women. It is situated more frequently in the fifth decade of life. Epicondylitis has not been thoroughly studied in our environment, perhaps it is more prevalent in women who work at home.