The association between digital device usage behaviors and the incidence of de Quervain's tenosynovitis among university students.

BACKGROUND

The extensive use of mobile and digital devices has been implicated in various musculoskeletal disorders, including de Quervain's tenosynovitis (dQD), a condition affecting the thumb.

PURPOSE: The present study investigates the relationship between digital device usage patterns and the prevalence of dQD among university students.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 508 participants (255 females and 253 males), collecting data on daily device use time, wrist positions, hand dominance, and stretching practices via a questionnaire. Data collection was carried out through a supervised, face-to-face survey. Diagnosis of dQD was determined using Finkelstein's test, all data were analyzed using SPSS software.

RESULTS

Out of 508 participants, 187 (36.8%) tested positive for dQD, with 152 (95.6)% occurring in the dominant hand (p = .006, Cramér's υ = 0.121). 250 participants used their devices with wrists in ulnar deviation (49.2%), which was strongly linked to a positive Finkelstein test result (p = .004, Cramér's υ = 0.175). Finkelstein's test showed increasing positivity with device use, ranging from 12.5% for < 2 hours to 46.2% for ≥ 8 hours, with a statistically significant association (p < .001, Cramér's υ = 0.234). Device usage varied, with the highest test positivity rates among those using devices 6-8 hours per day suggesting a significant association with dQD (p = .001). No significant relationship was found between dQD and the practice of stretching or relieving movements (p = .146).

CONCLUSION

The findings indicate that prolonged digital device usage, specific wrist positions such as ulnar deviation, and dominant-hand use are significantly associated with an increased risk of de Quervain's tenosynovitis among college students.