Ergonomic Risk Factors for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Among Designers

Abstract

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a significant occupational disease among intense computer users such as designers and other professionals. The objective of this research is to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of CTS among designers using a cross-sectional study. In this paper, questionnaires related to ergonomics risk factors were used. A total of 225 questionnaires distributed and Phalen’s test were conducted to determine CTS prevalence. The respondents background were from graphics design, multimedia, industrial, automotive, interior, Computer Aided Design (CAD) designers, architects and design engineers. The study showed that 20% of studied professional computer users had a symptom related to CTS. Graphic designers (OR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.05-53.98) and working more than 6 hours for side jobs in a week (OR: 2.74, 95% CI 1.16-6.49) were found highly associated with risks of CTS in this study. Further study on CTS severity symptoms and functional scale assessment using Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) suggested for future research for this study. The research is crucial for awareness and ergonomics CTS prevention planning for designers.Keywords: Ergonomic Risk Factor · Carpal Tunnel Syndrome · Phalen’s Test · Designers · Musculoskeletal Disorder · Repetitive Strain Injury

Keywords: Ergonomic Risk Factor, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Phalen’s Test, Cross-Sectional Study

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1002661