Musculoskeletal pain in teleworkers in Brazil: prevalence and workplace environment risk factors

Abstract

Inadequate workstation design, prolonged sitting, and environmental discomfort are emerging as critical contributors to pain and reduced work performance in home-based settings. Objective: To identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among Brazilian teleworkers and identify workstation and environmental factors associated with an increased risk of the presence of pain in the last 12 months (chronic pain). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between June and September 2025, involving 184 teleworkers from various professional sectors. Data were collected through an online questionnaire addressing sociodemographic and work characteristics, including ergonomic conditions, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Statistical analyses included Pearson’s Chi-square test, logistic regression, and Random Forest modeling to rank predictor importance. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to evaluate pain persistence (7-day and 30-day recall versus 12-month chronic pain). Results: the sample comprised 184 teleworkers, of whom 59.8% were women and 38.6% were men. Most respondents were between 30 and 50 years of age (47.8 %), reflecting the demographic composition of the contemporary Brazilian telework force, and nearly 60% held postgraduate degrees, indicating a highly educated professional group. The lower back (40.8%), neck (36.4%), and upper back (30.4%) emerged as the most frequently affected body regions. The principal workplace predictors included mouse and chair use, suboptimal temperature control, and prolonged sitting time. The OR analysis revealed strong chronicity, particularly for shoulder pain (OR = 49.7– 159; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Teleworking is associated with a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain. These findings underscore the need for targeted ergonomic policies.

Keywords: Telework, Working Conditions, Occupational Health, Workplace, Ergonomic

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007790