Prevalence and severity of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among military firefighters in Manaus: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence and severity of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) among military firefighters in Manaus.

METHOD: A cross-sectional study involving 272 active firefighters (79.3% of the workforce of the Capital Fire Department/CBMAM). A sociodemographic/occupational questionnaire and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Symptoms Questionnaire (NMQ, Brazilian version) were used. Data were collected via REDCap (March 2024). Analyses were conducted in RStudio using nonparametric tests (Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman; α = 5%) and effect sizes (95% CI).

RESULTS

The sample was predominantly male (76.8%), with a mean age of 42.5 years; most participants were police officers (79.8%) and engaged in operational duties (84.2%). High occupational exposure was observed (shift work: 74.6%; overtime: 93.0%) as well as regular physical activity (87.9%). The lumbar region showed the highest prevalences of pain, work absenteeism, and seeking medical care. The severity of WRMDs varied across units (p = 0.010; η2 = 0.045), with higher values in COBOM and the 1st BI. Correlations between the severity index and pain over 12 months, pain over 7 days, work disability, and healthcare utilization reflected the instrument's internal consistency.

CONCLUSION

Military firefighters presented a high prevalence and severity of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs), with variations across units. The findings support initiatives in health surveillance, ergonomics, and work organization, especially within the field of occupational nursing.