There differences in the factors that explain the presence of alterations musculoskeletal related to the work between men and women that perform the same occupational activity?

• Grant number: 17/04632-2
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): October 01, 2017
• Effective date (End): September 30, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Roberta de Fátima Carreira Moreira Padovez
• Grantee: Thayssa Afonso Souza
• Home Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Several factors contribute to gender differences which would potentially justify the higher prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMD) among women. However, there is no consensus in the literature regarding the gender difference in the prevalence of WRMD, even when workers whose perform the same occupational activity are analyzed. Objective: To evaluate, through a systematic review study, whether there is a difference in the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal changes between men and women performing the same activity and to identify the factors associated with these alterations for the different occupational groups. Method: The PRISMA and Colaboração Cochrane recommendations will be followed for systematic review studies. The bases: PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science and CINAHAL will be consulted. Two independent reviewers will select the relevant studies and any disagreements will be resolved by consensus. Cross-sectional and cut-off studies will be performed investigating the prevalence/incidence of musculoskeletal changes between men and women performing the same occupational activity. The evaluation of methodological quality will be performed based on the scale proposed by Hoofman et al for epidemiological studies. The evidence will be synthesized through GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system. Expectations: The results are expected to contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms related to the development of musculoskeletal disorders between men and women and to assist in the planning of more effective and specific interventions according to the needs of each occupational group. (AU)