Prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Computer-Based Government Banks and National Savings Centre Employees in Abbottabad

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common occupational musculoskeletal disorder, particularly among computer-based workers. Prolonged repetitive hand movements, sustained wrist postures, and inadequate ergonomic practices increase the risk of median nerve compression, leading to pain, numbness, and functional impairment. Objective: To determine the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among computer-based employees of government banks and the National Savings Centre in Abbottabad, and to examine its association with occupational and ergonomic factors. Methodology: This cross-sectional study included computer-based bank employees in selected government and semi-government banks, conducted under the FIMS College of Physiotherapy, Abbottabad. The study included 160 employees aged 23–63 years, with a calculated sample size of 114 selected through convenience sampling. Both male and female employees engaged in routine computer work were included, while individuals with medical conditions that could confound this syndrome were excluded. Data collection spanned six months following ethical approval and informed consent. Carpal tunnel syndrome assessment was carried out using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, along with the carpal compression test performed by a trained examiner. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, employing descriptive statistics. Results: The overall prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome based on carpal compression test was 36.8% (42). Males exhibited higher positivity (30.7%) compared to females (6.1%). Symptom analysis revealed 43% reported wrist/hand pain at night, 46.5% during daytime, 34.2% numbness, and 35.1% tingling. Longer daily computer use and increased years of computer work were significantly associated with carpal tunnel syndrome (p