ADULT POPULATION AWARENESS OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME (CTS) IN EASTERN PROVINCE

Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a constellation of symptoms and signs resulting from median nerve entrapment or compression by the surrounding structures as it travels through the wrist. CTS symptoms can range from numbness and tingling to pain in the hand and arm, sometimes even affecting the patient's sleep and social activity as the symptoms worsen at night.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the general population's awareness of CTS and its associated factors.

Materials and methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted among the adult population in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among the general population using an online platform. The questionnaire includes socio-demographic characteristics (i.e., age, gender, marital status, etc.), the incidence of CTS, and a 22-item questionnaire to measure the participant's awareness of CTS symptoms, causes, treatment, prevention, and general information about CTS.

Results: Eight hundred twenty-five respondents took part (59.7% females vs 40.3% males). 30.3% had associated chronic disease, with diabetes (37.9%) and hypothyroidism (36.6%) being the most common. 16.3% were previously diagnosed with CTS. The overall mean awareness score was 10.9 (SD 3.16) out of 22 points. Nearly half (48.3%) were considered to have poor awareness of CTS, 46.9% were moderate, and only 4.8% had good levels. Being younger, living in other cities in ER, single, and with chronic disease were associated with better awareness of CTS.

Conclusion: The general population's awareness of CTS was deficient. However, better awareness levels were more prevalent among younger single respondents with no underlying diseases. There is a need to increase the knowledge of CTS. Awareness campaigns are key to improving knowledge in society.

Keywords: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Awareness, Adult population, Eastern province