Prevalence and Awareness of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Among Adults in Tabuk City of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Background Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition when the median nerve is entrapped and compressed within the wrist. It significantly affects the quality of life and work productivity of the affected individuals. Aim This study aimedto assess the prevalence of CTS and the risk factors associated withthis condition amongthegeneral population in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia, andto explore their knowledge of the causes, manifestations, and treatment options. Methods This cross-sectional studyincluded male and female adult residents of Tabuk City aged 18 years and above who agreed to participate in the study. Datawerecollected using an online, self-administered questionnaire thatwas distributed to the publicusingdifferentsocial mediaplatforms. Results In this study, the prevalence of CTS was 3.4%.The presence of chronic diseases was a significant risk factor for the CTS (p = 0.003). Participants having chronic diseases were 6.370 times more likely to develop CTS (AOR: 6.370, 95%CI: 2.048 to 19.817). The participants had good levels of awareness about the causes (89.3%), clinical manifestations, and treatment of CTS (92.2%). There was a significant association between the level of knowledge about the causes of CTS and gender (p=0.014). Females (74.3%)showed a higher level of knowledge than males (25.7%). As well, the young (18-25) age group (67.9%)was more significantly aware of the causes of CTS in comparison to the other age groups (p=0.023). Conclusion The prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome amongtheadult population in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia, was 3.4%, andthe significant underlying risk factorswere chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and rheumatoid arthritis. The level of awareness of CTS was satisfactory.