The PREVALENCE OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME AMONG POSTGRADUATE TRAINEES IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS OF KARACHI, PAKISTAN

Abstract

 Introduction: To determine the prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) among postgraduate trainees in tertiary care hospitals of Karachi. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 130 postgraduate trainees in public and private tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan, using a convenience sampling technique. Data collection tools included the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and Phalen's Test. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for categorical variables, while the chi-square test was applied to assess associations. Results: Of the 130 participants, 61 (46.9%) were men and 69 (53.1%) women. CTS symptoms were reported by 13 (10%) participants, of whom 60.7% reported mild discomfort, while 39.3% reported significant pain. Most participants (81.1%) were first-year postgraduate trainees, and the majority (54.6%) were aged 25–30 years. A total of 102 (78.4%) participants reported working 1–6 hours daily. Conclusion: CTS is prevalent among postgraduate dental trainees in Karachi. Symptoms are significantly associated with age and prolonged working hours. These findings highlight the importance of early ergonomic interventions and regular health assessments to prevent and manage CTS.