Association between baseline characteristics of carpal tunnel syndrome and its relation to psychometric properties of the Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire

Abstract

Objectives: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) generally causes functional disabilities and consequently develops socioeconomic burdens for individuals and our community in the long run. The negative consequences are more recorded in developing nations. Therefore, early addressing the disorder is essential to eliminate the negative impacts on any health-care system. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with CTS attending the professorial surgical clinics at Teaching Hospital Jaffna. The demographic and clinical presentation while a self-reported Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) was used to assess the severity of symptoms and functional status of the wrist and hand. Results: This study involved 63 respondents whose mean age and body mass index were 55.4 ± 12.4 years and 25.6 ± 3.1, respectively. The larger proportion was female (74.6%) and the majority’s civil status was married (90.5%). Menial and skilled jobs were 46.6% and 31.7%, respectively, whereas the remaining were professionals. The right-hand dominance was 93.7%, although 57.1% had the right hand affected. There was a significant association (r = 0.739 and P = 0.0001) between the clinical tests and the severity of symptoms score. Conclusion: This study outcomes of CTSs severity and functional status with the BCTQ recommend that this tool and its scales indicate the association between CTSs baseline characteristics and impairments resulting from CTS in the clinical context.