Prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Among Market Traders in Onitsha, Anambra State

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common entrapment neuropathy of the median nerve at the wrist, often associated with repetitive manual tasks and sustained awkward wrist postures. Market traders engaged in prolonged carrying, sorting, and cashiering activities may represent a high-risk occupational group in Nigeria, yet CTS prevalence in this population remains poorly quantified. This cross-sectional descriptive study estimates the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome and identifies associated risk factors among traders at the Onitsha Main Market, South East Nigeria. A structured clinical screen incorporating the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire and physical examination findings (Tinel's sign, Phalen's test) will be administered to 250 consenting traders. Data on years of trading, type of merchandise handled, working hours, and use of vibrating tools will also be captured. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression will be employed. The study hypothesises that female traders with more than ten years of market activity have a higher CTS prevalence. Findings will be shared with the Onitsha Traders Association and the Anambra State Ministry of Labour to support occupational health surveillance and referral pathways. This research adds to the limited local data on peripheral nerve compression syndromes in informal sector workers across South East Nigeria. Keywords: carpal tunnel syndrome, market traders, occupational health, Onitsha, median nerve.