Ismail, Zaliha and Abdullah, Sarimah and Amin, Mohd lskandar Mohd
(2011)
Work-related factors of carpal tunnel syndrome in computer users among
clerical staffs in government health facilities, Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Work-related factors of carpal tunnel syndrome in computer users among clerical staffs in government health facilities, Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the situation when the median
nerve is compressed within the carpal tunnel and causes the signs and symptoms.
Uncertainty of local prevalence and failure to eliminate contributory job factors can result
in recurrence or progression of CTS symptoms, impaired use of the hand, and the need
for surgical treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and workrelation
associated factors of CTS in computer user among clerical staffs in government
health facilities, Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
METHODOLOGY: A cross sectional study was carried out at two government health
facilities in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, from January until June 2008. Prevalence and workrelated
factors of CTS were identified in clerical workers. Exposure to associated factors
was assessed by worker's responses on self-administered questionnaire, anthropometric
measurement, and direct observation. Disease status was confirmed by history that was
suggestive to the syndrome and provocative test performed by a hand surgeon or nerve
conduction study. Data was analysed by using simple and multiple logistic regression
analyses.
RESULTS: A total of300 workers (108 CTS and 192 non-CTS) participated in the study.
The prevalence of CTS was 36.0% (95%CI: 31.5, 41.5). The final model included one
personal factor - family history of CTS and one work-related time factor - keyboard time
(hrs/day). A person with family history of CTS has 9.41 (95%CI: 1.09, 81.65, P value
0.039) times the odds to get CTS as compared to no family history of CTS, and an
increase in I hour/day of keyboard time has a 1.11 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.23, P value 0.039)
times the odds to have CTS, when adjusted for keyboard time and family history of CTS,
respectively.
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in computer users was high,
indicates high morbidity in this occupation. The relationship of keyboard time and carpal
tunnel syndrome showed that carpal tunnel syndrome in computer users was workrelated.
Health programmes especially health educations and promotions should be
designed based on the factors that influenced the association of carpal tunnel syndrome.
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