PREVALENCE OF LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS AMONG RESIDENTIAL PAINTERS IN PESHAWAR

• DOI: 10.71000/srpjmj91
• Publication Date: 2025-03-02T15:31:49Z
• Authors: Saad Ur Rehman; Nazish Raza; Muhammad Danyal G...; Ahmad Zia; Akhtar Amin; Muhammad Atif

Background: Lateral epicondylitis (LE), commonly known as tennis elbow, is an overuse injury caused by eccentric overload of the common extensor tendon, particularly at the origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB). It frequently affects individuals engaged in repetitive manual labor and is prevalent among both males and females, typically involving the dominant arm. Despite extensive research across various professions, little is known about its prevalence among residential painters, a group prone to repetitive upper limb movements. This study aims to determine the prevalence of lateral epicondylitis in residential painters in Peshawar. Objective: To determine the prevalence of lateral epicondylitis among residential painters and assess its impact on daily activities using clinical and functional assessments. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Peshawar, including 184 male residential painters aged 21–45 years. Participants were selected through non-probability convenient sampling, with a confidence interval of 95% and a margin of error of 5%, calculated using Raosoft software. Data collection involved a customized questionnaire capturing demographic and occupational information, the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) questionnaire for pain and disability assessment, and the Cozen test for clinical diagnosis. Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and ethical approval was granted by the relevant institutional review board. Results: The mean age of participants was 32.9 years (SD = 8.5), with the largest age groups being 21–25 (29.9%) and 41–45 (33.2%). A positive Cozen test result was observed in 54.3% of participants, indicating a high prevalence of lateral epicondylitis. PRTEE scores revealed that 38.1% experienced moderate pain, 34.2% severe pain, and 27.7% mild pain, with a mean score of 54.41. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.672, p < 0.001) was found between Cozen test results and PRTEE scores, confirming the consistency between clinical diagnosis and self-reported disability. Conclusion: The findings reveal a high prevalence of lateral epicondylitis among residential painters, with both younger and older age groups affected. The strong correlation between Cozen test results and PRTEE scores highlights the condition’s impact on daily activities and occupational performance. These results emphasize the need for preventive strategies, including ergonomic interventions and awareness programs.