Perfil dos cuidadores de idosos de instituições de longa permanência e a prevalência de sintomatologia dolorosa

The greater part of elderly population in Brazil needs a caregiver. The objective of this study was to describe the profile of caregivers of elderly people in long-stay institutions, as well as identify the prevalence of painful symptoms in those professionals. For this purpose, it was made a structured questionnaire including questions on demographic aspects, characterization of the work, training and schooling, difficulties in performing daily activities of professionals and possibilities to improve this practice, besides it is included the translated and validated version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Eleven caregivers were interviewed, the majority being women, and the mean age was 37.6 years. In relation to schooling, the analphabetism question represented 9%, the incomplete elementary school and complete high school represented 27.2%, and 18.2%, incomplete higher education. All participants reported that did not receive continuous training by the institution, and this item was cited as more difficult for professional practice. There was presence of pain or discomfort in a segment of the muscoloskeletal in all interviewees