Prevalence of self-reported symptoms compatible with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) among employees at a neonatal intensive care unit: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a significant work-related disease.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of symptoms possibly related to CTS in workers in a neonatal intensive care unit.

METHODS

The self-administered INRS questionnaire for musculoskeletal symptoms was distributed to all 41 employees of a neonatal intensive care unit and to an appropriate sample of 82 employees of a paediatric emergency department and an adult intensive care unit.

RESULTS

Employees of the neonatal intensive care unit recorded a significantly higher prevalence of symptoms potentially related to CTS in comparison with the reference group (58.5% vs 8.3%, respectively; p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis indicated that work in the neonatal intensive care unit was independently associated with the risk of symptoms potentially related to CTS.

CONCLUSIONS

The results provide some evidence for a higher prevalence of symptoms potentially related to CTS in nursing personnel of a neonatal intensive care unit. Further research work is needed to prove a causal association.