Prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in the peeling area of the aquaculture industry at a shrimp packing plant in Ecuador

Authors

  • Adriana Stephania Lema Barragan Universidad Espíritu Santo. Guayaquil - Ecuador https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0336-6822
  • Kenny Fernando Escobar Segovia Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral. Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de la Tierra. Guayaquil - Ecuador https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1278-7640
  • Rosa Andrea Cobeña Talledo Universidad del Pacífico. Facultad de Negocios y Economía. Red Internacional de Investigación en Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional (RIISSO). Quito-Ecuador. https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4110-3310

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18537/RFCM.43.02.02

Keywords:

ergonomics, median nerve, occupational risks

Abstract

Introduction: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders among workers performing repetitive tasks.

Objetive: to determine the prevalence of CTS in the peeling area of a shrimp packing plant in Ecuador, comparing with a less exposed control group (machine-sorting area).

Methodology: a cross-sectional analytical observational study was carried out, based on occupational medical records collected between January 2022 and June 2024. The total population included 194 female workers from the peeling area and 100 from the machine-sorting control area.

Results: the results showed that 20.6% of the workers in the peeling area presented CTS, compared to 8% in the control group. The most affected age group was 60 to 64 years, with the right hand being predominantly involved (82.5%). Most cases occurred among workers with 16 years of service. The statistical analysis yielded a Prevalence Odds Ratio (POR) of 2.99 (95% CI: 1.34–6.66), indicating that workers in the peeling area are nearly three times more likely to develop CTS than those in the control group.

Conclusions: it is concluded that there is a strong association between intensive work activity in the peeling area and the occurrence of CTS. The implementation of ergonomic preventive measures and longitudinal studies that include psychosocial factors are recommended to mitigate this condition and improve workers’ well-being.

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Published

2025-08-04

Issue

Vol. 43 No. 2 (2025): Revista de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad de Cuenca

Section

Original Article

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Copyright (c) 2025 Kenny Escobar Segovia, Adriana Lema-Barragan, Rosa Cobeña-Tallado

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