Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome and its associated factors among patients with musculoskeletal complaints: a single-center experience from Eastern Ethiopia
Abstract Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a well-known chronic focal mononeuropathy caused by the mechanical distortion of the nerve at the carpal tunnel. It affects approximately 5% of the population worldwide and 12.1% in Africa. However, it has severe pain that causes discomfort and dis...
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| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-07-01
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| Series: | BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-025-08859-7 |
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| author | Tewodros Yesuf Asfaw Borsamo Hailu Aragie Yared Asmare |
| author_facet | Tewodros Yesuf Asfaw Borsamo Hailu Aragie Yared Asmare |
| author_sort | Tewodros Yesuf |
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| description | Abstract Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a well-known chronic focal mononeuropathy caused by the mechanical distortion of the nerve at the carpal tunnel. It affects approximately 5% of the population worldwide and 12.1% in Africa. However, it has severe pain that causes discomfort and disturbs daily activities, the magnitude and its risk factors are poorly understood in Ethiopia. Objectives This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of carpal tunnel syndrome among patients with musculoskeletal complaints in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia. Methodology An institution-based quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly selected 422 participants at Dilchora Referral Hospital from May–July 2023. The primary data were collected by using structured questionnaires and checklists. The history taking, anthropometric measurements, physical examination, and diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome were performed by the orthopedicians. The data were collected by the four BSc midwives under strict supervision. The data carefully checked for the accuracy, completeness, and validity. Next, data were put into Epi-data and then exported to SPSS for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out. Result The prevalence of clinically confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome was 10.8% (95% CI: 6.99% to 14.6%). A multivariable analysis revealed that physical inactivity [AOR = 3.32 (95% CI: 1.95–5.52)], diabetes mellitus [AOR = 4.23 (95% CI: 1.47–6.97)], hypertension [AOR = 2.5 (95% CI: 1.70–5.65)], hand ratio < 2.1 [(AOR = 4 (95% CI: 1.80–9.66)], and wrist ratio > 0.72 [AOR = 2.1 (95% CI: 1.11–4.72)] were statistically associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Conclusion The prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among the musculoskeletal complaints is 10.8%. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, physical inactivity, and a wrist ratio > 0.72 were statistically associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Doing physical exercise, regulating blood sugar levels, and monitoring blood pressure were recommended. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-43f2bbedacd540aeb40da54beac31abb |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1471-2474 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders |
| spelling | doaj-art-43f2bbedacd540aeb40da54beac31abb2025-08-20T03:45:43ZengBMCBMC Musculoskeletal Disorders1471-24742025-07-012611910.1186/s12891-025-08859-7Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome and its associated factors among patients with musculoskeletal complaints: a single-center experience from Eastern EthiopiaTewodros Yesuf0Asfaw Borsamo1Hailu Aragie2Yared Asmare3Biomedical Science Department, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Dire DawaDepartment of Human Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa UniversityDepartment of Human Anatomyat the, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of GondarDepartment of Human Anatomyat the, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of GondarAbstract Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a well-known chronic focal mononeuropathy caused by the mechanical distortion of the nerve at the carpal tunnel. It affects approximately 5% of the population worldwide and 12.1% in Africa. However, it has severe pain that causes discomfort and disturbs daily activities, the magnitude and its risk factors are poorly understood in Ethiopia. Objectives This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of carpal tunnel syndrome among patients with musculoskeletal complaints in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia. Methodology An institution-based quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly selected 422 participants at Dilchora Referral Hospital from May–July 2023. The primary data were collected by using structured questionnaires and checklists. The history taking, anthropometric measurements, physical examination, and diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome were performed by the orthopedicians. The data were collected by the four BSc midwives under strict supervision. The data carefully checked for the accuracy, completeness, and validity. Next, data were put into Epi-data and then exported to SPSS for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out. Result The prevalence of clinically confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome was 10.8% (95% CI: 6.99% to 14.6%). A multivariable analysis revealed that physical inactivity [AOR = 3.32 (95% CI: 1.95–5.52)], diabetes mellitus [AOR = 4.23 (95% CI: 1.47–6.97)], hypertension [AOR = 2.5 (95% CI: 1.70–5.65)], hand ratio < 2.1 [(AOR = 4 (95% CI: 1.80–9.66)], and wrist ratio > 0.72 [AOR = 2.1 (95% CI: 1.11–4.72)] were statistically associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Conclusion The prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among the musculoskeletal complaints is 10.8%. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, physical inactivity, and a wrist ratio > 0.72 were statistically associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Doing physical exercise, regulating blood sugar levels, and monitoring blood pressure were recommended.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-025-08859-7Carpal Tunnel SyndromeHand DimensionWrist DimensionAnd prevalence |
| spellingShingle | Tewodros Yesuf Asfaw Borsamo Hailu Aragie Yared Asmare Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome and its associated factors among patients with musculoskeletal complaints: a single-center experience from Eastern Ethiopia BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Hand Dimension Wrist Dimension And prevalence |
| title | Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome and its associated factors among patients with musculoskeletal complaints: a single-center experience from Eastern Ethiopia |
| title_full | Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome and its associated factors among patients with musculoskeletal complaints: a single-center experience from Eastern Ethiopia |
| title_fullStr | Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome and its associated factors among patients with musculoskeletal complaints: a single-center experience from Eastern Ethiopia |
| title_full_unstemmed | Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome and its associated factors among patients with musculoskeletal complaints: a single-center experience from Eastern Ethiopia |
| title_short | Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome and its associated factors among patients with musculoskeletal complaints: a single-center experience from Eastern Ethiopia |
| title_sort | prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome and its associated factors among patients with musculoskeletal complaints a single center experience from eastern ethiopia |
| topic | Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Hand Dimension Wrist Dimension And prevalence |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-025-08859-7 |
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