Work-Related Risk Factors Contributing to De-Quervain's Tenosynovitis among Carpenters in Punjab

Abstract

Purpose: De Quervain's Tenosynovitis is inflammation of extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus tendons that run from the side of the wrist to the base of the thumb. To see the frequency of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis and work related risk factors in carpenters of Punjab, Pakistan
 Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study. Sample size of the research was 492. Study was conducted at the province Punjab, Pakistan. Inclusion criteria of the study were carpenters of age between twenty to fifty years having experience of more than 2 years. Data was collected to the selected population, through convenient sampling technique. Duration of the study was 8 months. Outcome measures of the study were Finkelstein test, Visual analogue scale and a structured questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed by using SPSS version 25.
 Findings: Out of 492 participants, De-Quervain's Tenosynovitis was found to be present in 46% of carpenters Punjab. 25.6% of the participants had moderate, while 22.3% had extreme discomfort in lower back. 19.91% reported not to have an enough space for work. 55.69% didn’t take adequate breaks while working. 69.91% reported to have no back rest while working, 63% reported not use any wrist support or brace while working and 35.36% reported not to have any proper training for this work.
 Conclusion: De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is prevalent in carpenters of Punjab, Pakistan. Work-related discomfort was found in various regions of body including eyes, neck, shoulders, arms, wrist and hand. Contributing work-related risk factors for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis among carpenters encompass insufficient training, absence of wrist support, and inadequate breaks during work.