OBJECTIVE:

To determine the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in Latino poultry-processing workers.

METHODS:

Symptoms and nerve conduction studies were used to prospectively assess 287 Latino poultry-processing workers and 226 Latinos in other manual-labor occupations.

RESULTS:

The prevalence of CTS was higher in poultry-processing (8.7%) compared with nonpoultry manual workers (4.0%; P < 0.0001). The adjusted odds ratio for the prevalence of CTS in poultry workers was 2.51 (95% confidence interval, 1.80-3.50) compared with nonpoultry workers. Within the poultry workers, those who performed packing, sanitation, and chilling had a trend toward less CTS than those who performed tasks requiring more repetitive and strenuous hand movements.

DISCUSSION:

Latino poultry-processing workers have a high prevalence of CTS, which likely results from the repetitive and strenuous nature of the work.