Prevalence and factors associated with lateral epicondylitis among hospital healthcare workers

Background Hospital healthcare workers have been reported to have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, but their association with lateral epicondylitis is unknown. This study aimed to clarify the prevalence of lateral epicondylitis and its associated factors among hospital healthcare workers. Methods The present study included all staff members of a secondary emergency hospital who provided their consent to participate. Participants with a history of elbow joint trauma were excluded from this study. The diagnostic criteria for definite lateral epicondylitis were: (1) pain in the elbow joint within 2 weeks of the study, (2) pain in the lateral epicondyle region on resisted extension of the wrist with the elbow extended, and (3) tenderness in the lateral epicondyle. The diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis was defined by meeting all criteria. Age, height, weight, sex, dominant hand, occupation, years of employment, smoking history, drinking history, personal computer usage history, and smartphone usage history were investigated using a questionnaire. A physical examination, in addition to evaluation of pain in the lateral epicondyle, grip strength and wrist extension strength were measured. A statistical analysis was used to assess the prevalence of lateral epicondylitis and its associated factors. All investigations, including the diagnosis of LE, were performed by a single orthopedic specialist. Results We evaluated 544 individuals, corresponding to approximately 80% of all staff members. The median age was 39 years (interquartile range 30-48). The study population included 154 males and 390 females. The occupations of the participants were as follows: nurses (n=265), doctors (n=47), clerks (n=93), therapists (n=27), certified care workers (n=23), medical technologists (n=22), pharmacists (n=19), and others (n=48). Lateral epicondylitis was diagnosed in 30 limbs/30 individuals with a prevalence of approximately 5.5%. There was no difference in the prevalence of lateral epicondylitis among occupations (p=0.85). A logistic regression analysis revealed that age (odds ratio, 1.05; 95% confidence interval 1.01 to 1.1; p=0.01) and smoking history (odds ratio 2.94; 95% confidence interval 1.01 to 8.56; p=0.04) were independently associated with lateral epicondylitis. Conclusions This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of lateral epicondylitis among hospital healthcare workers. The prevalence of lateral epicondylitis was 5.5%, and lateral epicondylitis was independently associated with age and smoking history.