Frequency of De-Quervain Syndrome in Mobile Users Among Undergraduate Students of Allied Health Sciences Peshawar

Abstract

Background: Repetitive strain injuries are more common in mobile phone users due to repetitive use of phone for mobile texting and games. De Quervain syndrome is as a painful complain of the wrist as stenosing tenosynovitis involving abductors of thumb at radial styloid process. The inflammation of first dorsal compartment of wrist triggers pain in De Quervain syndrome. Cell phone users who are involved in repetitive activities of thumb during text messages are more prone to develop repetitive strain injuries.

Objectives: To determine the frequency of De Quervain syndrome in mobile users among under graduate students of allied health sciences Peshawar.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students in different institutes of allied health sciences Peshawar. Sample size of 384 was selected using convenient sampling technique. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaire and Universal Pain Assessment Tool was used to assess the severity of pain. Finkelstein test was performed to diagnose De Quervain’s syndrome. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 20.

Results: Mean age of the participants was 20.73±1.78 years. Out of 384 participants, 315 (82%) were male and 69 (18%) were females, with male to female ratio 4:1 respectively. Finkelstein test was positive in 223 (58.1%) participants and negative in 161 (41.9%) participants.

Conclusion: The study concluded that mobile phone users are at a greater risk of developing De Quervain’s syndrome due to repetitive movement of thumb while mobile texting, playing games without taking rest in -between activities.