Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
1Community and Occupational Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Cairo, Al-Azhar University, Egypt.
2
Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Cairo, Al-Azhar University, Egypt.
3
Oral and Maxillofacial surgery Department, El Nahda University, Cairo, Egypt.
4
Operative dentistry Department, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
Abstract
Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most frequent disorder affecting the median nerve. It is common work-related musculoskeletal disorder among dentists, with significant social and economic implications.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of CTS symptoms as well as its personal and occupational determinants among dental staff.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 141 dental staff of Al-Azhar University. We used a self-administered questionnaire, including work history, demographic data, and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) to survey CTS symptoms in addition to clinical examination.
Results: The prevalence of CTS symptoms among the participants was 29.8%, of which 24.1%, 4.3%, and 1.4 % had mild, moderate, and severe symptoms, respectively. It was found that uncomfortable posture (OR= 4.9 95%, CI: 1.6 -15.2), sex (OR = 4.0, 95% CI: 1.2 -12.6), and the lake of performing stretching exercises (OR=3.7, 95% CI: 1.1 -12.4), were significant predictors of CTS among our participants (P value<0.05). However, there was no association between CTS and age, body mass index (BMI), dominant hand, and smoking.
Conclusions: CTS symptoms were about 30% among dentists, and they more prevalent among female and with certain factors such as uncomfortable posture. This study highlights the role of stretching exercises in reducing the risk of CTS. Preventive measures such as ergonomic training and periodic examination are recommended.
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