Existence of Previous Stressors in People Who Suffered Musculoskeletal and Compressive Nervous Conditions in the Upper Limb. A Prospective Study from Occupational Therapy

Abstract

The trauma and rheumatology outpatient clinic sees a large number of patients who have suffered some kind of trauma to the upper limb. From Occupational Therapy ́s area, it was found that these patients reported having suffered previous stressors, i.e. the loss or death of a family member/friend, separation of spouses, dismissal from work, fights with relatives, retirement, etc. before the traumatic injury occurred. These injuries are disruptive to their daily lives, directly affecting independent participation in activities of daily living. Objective: To estimate the prevalence and frequency distribution of stressors prior to a compressive musculoskeletal and nerve condition in people with upper limb trauma. Specific objective: To enable participants to identify possible stressors prior to the injury for which they consult. Methodology: A descriptive, observational, prospective, cross-sectional, quantitative study. Sample of 93 people admitted to the occupational therapy trauma and rheumatology clinic of an acute care hospital between October 2022 and October 2023.Results: The stressor most identified by individuals was Change in sleep rhythm at 5.8% (95% CI 419,800- 789,700) and Death of a close family member at 4.7% (95% CI 332,100-671,100). 99% of people identified at least one stressor prior to their trauma injury (95% CI 94,091,600-99,972,800). Conclusion: There is no statistically significant relationship between the studied variables and the variables under control.