Abstract
Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) comprises a group of symptoms resulting from local compression of the median nerve in the wrist where it passes through the carpal tunnel. Prolonged compression leads to local ischemia of the nerve within the tunnel and subsequent functional impairment. This study aimed to evaluate the current prevalence of CTS symptoms among dentists practicing in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia and identify the associated risk factors. _x000D_
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 182 dentists from Asir completed an online standardized version of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), which is made of two subscales ? symptom severity scale and functional status scale. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate factors associated with CTS (p < 0.05)._x000D_
Results: More than half (59.3%) experienced CTS symptoms; female dentists were at a greater risk for CTS than male dentists (odds ratio, OR=2.42; 95% confidence intervals, CI: 1.2?4.89). Obesity (OR=0.46; 95% CI: 0.24?0.89), left-hand dominance (OR=6.25, 95% CI: 1.74? 22.40), and an experience of 6-10 years in dental practice (OR=6.61, 95% CI: 1.72?25.44; p=0.006) were associated with greater prevalence of CTS symptoms. The incidence of CTS decreased as the dentists? experience increased. However, there was no relationship between CTS symptoms and age, marital status, history of smoking, or exercise participation._x000D_
Conclusion: CTS is common in dentists working in Asir who experience mild to severe CTS symptoms. The female gender, and left hand dominance are the most significant risk factors predisposing practicing dentists to CTS._x000D_
KEYWORDS: Carpal tunnel syndrome, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, Occupational health, Dentist, Asir region, Saudi Arabia_x000D_
