Chikungunya fever is a disease caused by the virus Chikungunya (VCHIK), and joint pain is considered the classic symptom. This viral infection tends to present with arthralgia and musculoskeletal dysfunction (MSD), which are associated with the progression of other clinical symptoms and sometimes disabling MSD manifestations. Since 2014, records of VCHIK have been identified in Brazil, with high rates of infection, thus raising concerns regarding states with favorable climates for the proliferation of the virus-transmitting mosquito. In the state of Amapá, there is a shortage of studies that reveal the profile of the infected population and their clinical and musculoskeletal manifestations, making it difficult to plan and execute preventive and disease management actions in the infected population.

To identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal manifestations and analyze the association between joint pain and other MSD manifestations in individuals with Chikungunya fever in the state of Amapá, Brazil, between 2016 and 2021.

This is an observational, cross-sectional, and retrospective study which used data from the SINAN NET system of the Ministério da Saúde (MS) of Brazil. Sociodemographic and clinical data of diagnosed individuals were used. Data that were correctly filled out according to the identification and notification form of the MS were included in the study, while individuals with incomplete data were excluded. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using the Chi-square test and linear regression to analyze possible associations.

Data from 869 individuals were analyzed. The prevalence of arthralgia was 50.3%. The majority of cases were female (55.8%), with an average age of 31.9 ± 19.4 years, self- declared brown (77.5%), with incomplete elementary education (16.8%), and living in the urban area (82.8%). The results indicate a positive association between joint pain and Arthritis (OR=2.56; CI=1.90-3.46); Fever (OR=2.42; CI=1.27-4.60); Back pain (OR=4.34; CI=3.26- 5.80); Myalgias (OR=4.89; CI=3.43-6.98); and Headache (OR=3.69; CI=2.45-5.55).

This study indicates that the post-infection scenario of Chikungunya is broader and more complex than just joint pain symptoms. These data can help in planning quick and efficient strategies to address the physical dysfunctions arising from Chikungunya in a region of Brazil with favorable climatic conditions for this type of infection vector and deficient health infrastructure.