Prevalence and individual risk factors of carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnant women

Abstract

Background: Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) among pregnant women is very much common among the whole population. Due to rapid economic and social changes, an increasing trend of this disorder, as well as its individual risk factors, has also been observed in Pakistan. Objective: The present study aimed to find out the prevalence of CTS in pregnant women and to identify the risk factors associated with CTS in pregnancy. Material & Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional survey for the prevalence of CTS and a case-control study to find out the risk factors were administered on a sample of n=304 participants of pregnant women of Rawalpindi and Islamabad hospitals for six months from October 2016 to March 2017. Data was collected by non-probability convenient sampling through a self-structured questionnaire. The Association of risk factors was measured by odds ratio. Result: The present study showed the prevalence of CTS is 76(25%) based on Phalen’s test and the prevalence of CTS is 86(28.3%) based on Tinel’s test. History of CTS (OR=3.38) is the most common risk factor. Swelling (OR=2.74) is very common in pregnancy. Other factors including kidney disease, weightlifting, excessive household, cooking, and obesity, use of oral contraceptives, stress, smoking, sewing, diabetes, and thyroid dysfunction are also associated with CTS except for Rheumatoid arthritis, computer work and forceful griping. Conclusion: This study showed significant results regarding the prevalence and risk factors of CTS among pregnant women in the hospitals of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.