EJMS

Abstract

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a socially relevant condition associated with mechanical risk factors. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a compression neuropathy in the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel. Overall prevalence of (3.0%-50.8%) among women and (0.6%-20.1%) has been found in general population sample (Jane et al., 2008). In the recent years, the extensive use of computers among young people has its menacing side, an example of which is the predisposition to many musculoskeletal disorders among which CTS. Objective: To describe the epidemiologic profile of CTS among college students. Subjects and method: A total of 250 college students participated in the present study and were asked to fill an anonymous questionnaire addressing socio-demographic topics and pattern of use of computers as risk factors for development of CTS. Students were evaluated for suggestive presence of CTS using two tests: Tinel and Phalen’s tests. Obtained data were analyzed using appropriate tests in SPSS program for windows. Results: The studied students were: 177 (70.8%) male and 73 (29.2%) female, with mean age: 22.18±1.81 years, 122 (49.4%) were Egyptians. Ninety two (37.7%) of students were smokers. 163 (66.3%) of students used computer for 2-5 hours per day and 123 (50%) of them used to take frequent breaks. 208 (83.9%) of students did not show symptoms or signs suggestive of presence of CTS, meanwhile, positive Tinel test (n=70) out of 250 in the present sample was higher in male gender (n=61, 87.1%) than female gender (n=9, 12.9%) with statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Conclusion: Computer use remains an actual risk for CTS among the category of college students; therefore, interventions to decrease risk factors for such disorder among the studied category of population (students) would have great public health benefits