Symptoms and Risk Factors of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome among Schoolteachers in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Context: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is caused by compression of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel into the wrist. It is the most common peripheral mononeuropathy and accounts for a large proportion of occupational upper extremity disorders. Teaching is an occupation associated with musculoskeletal disorders. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of CTS symptoms and related risk factors among schoolteachers in Al-Ahsa. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted on schoolteachers in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, during 2023. Subjects and Methods: We distributed the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire to the teachers’ groups through social media in the form of an online questionnaire, and we visited schools to encourage participation. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Our study included 619 schoolteachers. The syndrome symptoms were present in 71.1% of individuals, and functional disruption was present in 52.7%. The likelihood of exhibiting the symptoms is increased by being female, not participating in sports, having a chronic illness, writing for more than 4 h, and having symptoms in both hands. Conclusions: We found a comparatively high percentage (71.1%) of the syndrome symptoms among schoolteachers working in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, which suggests that any signs of CTS in schoolteachers should be evaluated to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.