Entre o trabalho e a saúde: queixas osteomusculares em adolescentes trabalhadores aprendizes de cidades do Triângulo Mineiro sob a ótica do processo saúde-doença-cuidado

Abstract

Introduction: The entry of adolescents into the labour market, even through regulated professional apprenticeship programmes, involves educational potential but may also affect health, especially when combined with school demands, living conditions, and the daily routines typical of this stage of development. Objective: To understand the association between musculoskeletal complaints, with emphasis on the spine and feet, and lifestyle classification among adolescent apprentices from two municipalities in the Triângulo Mineiro region, considering differences by sex and municipality. Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional, analytical study conducted with 208 adolescent apprentices aged 14 to 18 years enrolled in apprenticeship programmes in Uberlândia and Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data were collected using a sociodemographic and occupational questionnaire, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), and the FANTASTIC Lifestyle Questionnaire. Descriptive analyses, between-group comparisons, and ordinal logistic regression for FANTASTIC categories were performed. Results: A high frequency of musculoskeletal complaints was observed in the previous 12 months (83.2%) and in the previous 7 days (43.2%). The most frequently reported regions were the feet (46.0%), upper back (41.8%), and lower back (40.1%), with functional impact reported by part of the participants. Lifestyle classification was predominantly favourable, with most adolescents classified as “very good” (56.2%) or “good” (37.7%). In the multivariable analysis, female sex was associated with higher odds of a more favourable lifestyle classification (OR=2.74; p=0.01), whereas the presence of musculoskeletal complaints was negatively associated with better FANTASTIC classification (OR=0.26; p=0.01). Considerations: The findings show an important burden of musculoskeletal complaints among adolescent apprentices, especially in the feet and spine, and reinforce the need to interpret these symptoms in connection with lifestyle, working conditions, mental health, and the health-disease-care process. As an applied outcome, the technical product “Aprendizagem que Protege” [Learning that Protects] is proposed, aimed at health promotion, prevention of health problems, qualified listening, ergonomic guidance, and strengthening the protective role of professional apprenticeship.