Prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Among Mobile Gamers in Pakistan: A Multi-City Study

Abstract

Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy, strongly linked to repetitive hand use and sustained non-neutral wrist postures. With the rise of digital technology, mobile gaming has emerged as a potential risk factor for CTS, particularly among young adults who engage in prolonged smartphone use. Despite increasing concern, limited evidence exists from Pakistan examining CTS specifically among mobile gamers. Objective: To determine the prevalence of CTS among mobile gamers in Pakistan and to assess its association with mobile gaming habits and symptom severity. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2020 to January 2021 across six cities in Pakistan. A total of 500 participants aged 15–40 years were recruited using convenience sampling, including 394 gamers and 106 non-gamers. CTS was assessed using Phalen’s test, and wrist disability was measured with the Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) questionnaire. Data were analyzed in SPSS 21 using chi-square tests, correlation analysis, and odds ratios. Results: CTS prevalence was 47.5% among gamers compared to 17.9% among non-gamers, yielding an odds ratio of 4.28 (95% CI: 2.48–7.36, p<0.001). Symptom severity was predominantly mild to moderate in gamers, while non-gamers mostly reported minimal symptoms. City-wise prevalence ranged from 31.8% in Gilgit to 57.0% in Islamabad. Conclusion: Mobile gaming is strongly associated with CTS and greater wrist disability among young adults in Pakistan. Preventive strategies, ergonomic education, and early screening are essential to mitigate long-term disability.