Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms among garment factory workers: a cross-sectional study

Introduction Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a commonly occurring musculoskeletal disorder affecting the upper extremities. Accurate diagnosis is essential for early intervention and for the implementation of individualized therapy aimed at preventing progression and improving functional outcomes. Aim The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of CTS symptoms among sewing factory workers and to identify factors that may contribute to its development. The relationship between the presence of symptoms and selected variables like age, body mass index (BMI), years of work experience were examined. Material and methods The study included a group of 70 participants. The Phalen’s test, reverse Phalen’s test, and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) were used. Results and discussion A high prevalence of CTS symptoms (45.7%) was observed among sewing factory workers. Neither BMI nor years of professional experience had a statistically significant impact on test outcomes. The presence of chronic diseases and age significantly increased the frequency of positive test results. Findings from the BCTQ confirmed the presence of pain and functional limitations, which may contribute to decreased occupational performance. Conclusions Age and the presence of chronic diseases significantly influence the occurrence of CTS symptoms. The study highlights the necessity of implementing preventive measures and ergonomic interventions in the workplace to mitigate the risk of developing CTS.