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R. Núñez Cortés1,2, S. Perez-Alenda1, C. Cruz-Montecinos2, C. Tapia2
1University of Valencia, Physical Therapy Department, Valencia, Spain, 2University of Chile, Physical Therapy Department, Santiago, Chile
Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a compressive peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms are modulated by psychosocial factors (i.e. catastrophizing) and commonly associated with a decreased grip and pinch strength, which overall leads to a functional deterioration of the upper extremity. Social determinants of health (SDH) have shown to be associated with chronic pain in other similar conditions.
Purpose: To assess the effects of the social determinants and cognitive factors on the pain and function in carpal tunnel syndrome.
Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was performed in 31 patients with CTS. The assessments included: grip strength, pinch strength, Visual Analogue Scale, Quick DASH Questionnaire, Pain Catastrophizing Scale and the Tampa scale of kinesiophobia. The structural SDH were classified according to the following categories: gender (male, female); age (<65 years, ≥ 65 years); primary education (completed or not); working condition (active, inactive) and economic income (< $320 USD, ≥ $320 USD).
Results: A statistically significant difference was obtained for grip strength (p = 0.027), pinch strength (p = 0.002) and catastrophizing (p = 0.038) between the two educational groups (primary education completed or not). Grip strength was not related to individual factors: type of work, age, body mass index. Structural SDH had a strong association with pain intensity (P < 0.05).
Conclusion(s): CTS patients with a low educational level exhibited reduced grip and pinch strength and more catastrophic thinking.
Implications: Considering SHD and cognitive factors could be of relevance when elaborating new interventions or health strategies and more specialized counseling for patients with CTS.
Funding, acknowledgements: None
Keywords: Social determinants of health, Pain, Carpal Tunnel
Topic: Pain & pain management
Did this work require ethics approval? Yes
Institution: Hospital Clinico La Florida
Committee: Ethics committee Hospital Clinico La Florida, Santiago, Chile
Ethics number: RNC0012020
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
