Prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome among Computer Users in the Mosul University

Abstract

Aim :To study the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among over use of computer mouse in Mosul University employees. Method: A cross sectional design study was adopted in a purposive sample of (138) employees using computer in a daily working hours at Mosul University, the sample include both faculty members and administrators. Certain variables such as age, gender and the period of experience of computer work. The investigators use a clinical examination (a Phalen test, Pin Prick and Tournquit test) & nerve conduction test for diagnosis of problem among participants. Results: Female employees uses computer more than males (92:46). The highest prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome was found among age group (31-35) with (31%), and among females more than males (2:1). Bachelor employee represent 55.07% of the study sample. The study also found that pregnancy was the most common risk factor among female participants while obesity was the major risk factor among male. The use of analgesia to relieve the symptoms was predominant measure among affected employees.  Recommendation: avoidance of repetitive trauma for the wrist or any continuous pressure  created by excessive use of computer's mouse,  and weight reduction.