A Study on Prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Its Association with Alcohol and Smoking – A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common entrapment neuropathy caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist. Several demographic and lifestyle factors may contribute to its development. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CTS and assess its association with age, gender, occupation, socioeconomic status, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Methods: A case-control study was conducted with 32 participants (16 cases, 16 controls). Data were collected on demographic factors, smoking, and alcohol use. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to assess risk factors. Results: The prevalence of CTS was higher in females (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.1–5.8), manual laborers (OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.3–7.9), and low socioeconomic status individuals (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.2–6.5). Smoking (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 0.8–4.6) and alcohol consumption (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 0.9–5.0) showed a non-significant trend toward increased risk. Conclusion: Female gender, manual occupation, and low socioeconomic status were significantly associated with CTS. Smoking and alcohol may contribute but require further investigation with larger samples.