Assessment of Lateral Epicondylitis in Butchers in Islamabad

Abstract

Background: Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, is a common overuse injury affecting the extensor muscles of the forearm, particularly in professions requiring repetitive manual tasks, such as butchery.Objective: To assess the prevalence of lateral epicondylitis among butchers in Islamabad and its association with occupational risk factors.Methods: A correlational study was conducted between February and July 2022, involving 205 butchers selected through convenience sampling. Participants with at least one year of work experience were included, while those with pre-existing injuries or diabetes were excluded. Data were collected using the Pain Rating Scale, DASH questionnaire, and Cozen’s test. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS version 25, with a significance level of 0.05.Results: The prevalence of lateral epicondylitis was 23.41% (n=48). Butchers working more than 9 hours daily had a significantly higher prevalence (p=0.001). Mild to moderate pain was reported by 26.3% to 21.5% of participants, particularly in the arm and shoulder.Conclusion: The study found a high prevalence of lateral epicondylitis among butchers, linked to prolonged working hours and repetitive tasks. Ergonomic interventions and work modifications are recommended to reduce risk.