طب کار (Sep 2021)
The effect of ergonomic educational intervention on the rate of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) among employees of government banks
Abstract
Introduction: Rapid advances in technology, overuse of computers, and changing working conditions have made musculoskeletal disorders one of the most important occupational health issues in the world today. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral nerve compressive neuropathy. Causes some occupational factors such as frequent and prolonged work with hands and fingers in the development of this syndrome. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the symptoms and functional status of CTS and to evaluate the effect of ergonomic educational intervention on the rate of CTS among the employees of public banks. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in the state banks of Torbat Heydariyeh in 1397. Symptoms severity and functional status of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome were assessed using Boston Questionnaire. Subjects with inclusion criteria were selected and the next step was ergonomic training intervention. After 6 months of intervention, the symptoms and functional status of the staff regarding carpal tunnel syndrome were determined .Wrist to caliper ratio was measured. Data were analyzed by SPSS 23 software using Wilcoxon and Chi-square tests. Results: Results in the past 12 months and present showed that the most musculoskeletal disorders were in the neck, shoulder, waist, back, wrist and hand ,severe level 52.4,50.81,49.2,46,41.3 respectively. The results showed that the severity of CTS symptoms in the samples was in mild,moderate , and severe is in 66.7 , 20.6, 9.5 percent respectively. The performance status of CTS in the three levels of mild, moderate, and severe is 47.6, 23.8 ,4.8 percent, respectively. Mean and standard deviation of wrist cross sectional area were determined in .708 .033 mm. The results showed that staff with wrist dimensions greater than 0.7 (square wrist) had higher severity of CTS symptoms and abnormalities .Also, there was a significant relationship between dominant hand and CTS symptoms.(p= 0/001) Developing a specific ergonomic intervention program is essential to improve the functional status and symptoms of this syndrome. Understanding the syndrome symptoms, their training, and their effects, and then designing an appropriate ergonomic intervention program, is essential.Based on these results and the inclusion criteria of this study, it can be deduced that ergonomics training is an easy, low cost and practical method that can be used as an effective program to advance the goal of improving the symptom level of people with carpal tunnel syndrome. . It is recommended. Using simple, practical and low cost human and engineering engineering interventions and continuous monitoring of how these interventions are implemented over a long period of time in the light of management commitment and employee engagement can achieve desirable results in order to reduce Carpal tunnel syndrome prevalence among staff.
