Prevalência de dor musculoesquelética crônica em idosos no Brasil: revisão sistemática da literatura

Abstract

The aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic musculoskeletal disorders are global phenomena. The impact of chronic nonspecific pain and other musculoskeletal diagnoses on the quality of life and independence of the elderly population is worrisome. A systematic review of the literature was performed aiming to investigate the prevalence of chronic musculoskeletal disorders in elderly Brazilians. The search was conducted in July 2010 in the following electronic databases: PubMed, LILACS, Scielo, Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (BDTD) and Theses Database CAPES / MEC. Relevant studies were also searched in reference lists and reports of State or Federal agencies. Fourteen studies conducted in different cities were included. The most prevalent problems were lower limb pain (16.8% to 52.3%), followed by back pain (15.3% to 40.4%). Six studies described the prevalence of specific diagnoses and arthritis or rheumatism was the most commonly reported diagnosis, with prevalence rates ranging from 39.1% to 9.4%. In most studies there was a female predominance. Despite the growing aging population worldwide, the quantity and quality of evidence on the impact of chronic musculoskeletal disorders in the elderly is still limited.