PREVALENCE OF DE QUERVAIN’S TENOSYNOVITIS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH DURATION OF SMARTPHONE USE AMONG DPT STUDENTS AT DISTRICT SWAT

Abstract

Background: Smartphone use has increased dramatically among young adults, leading to repetitive thumb and wrist movements that may contribute to musculoskeletal disorders such as De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (DQT).

Objective: To determine the prevalence of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis and its association with duration of smartphone use among DPT students at District Swat.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among young adults DPT students aged 18–25 years recruited from educational institutions in Swat. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis was assessed using the Wrist Hyperflexion and Abduction of the Thumb (WHAT) test along with a self-administered questionnaire assessing smartphone usage patterns. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and associations were evaluated using chi-square tests.

Results: Out of 126 participants, 58.7% tested positive for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Prolonged smartphone use for chatting, gaming, and scrolling showed a statistically significant association with positive WHAT test results (p < .001).

Conclusion: A high prevalence of probable De Quervain’s tenosynovitis was observed among young adults DPT students, strongly associated with prolonged smartphone use. Preventive strategies and ergonomic awareness are recommended to reduce the risk of smartphone-related musculoskeletal disorders.