Hand-arm vibration syndrome among harvesting farmers: A cross-sectional study from Pakistan

BACKGROUND: Constant use of hand-held vibratory tools may cause health issues, including hand dysfunction, among farmers. Thus, exposure to these vibratory instruments may cause hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to measure the prevalence of HAVS and evaluate neurological and vascular symptoms among farmers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 20 villages in Pakistan and used a three-part questionnaire to collect data from farmers exposed to vibration while farming. The study included demographics, the Health Surveillance Questionnaire, and the Stockholm Workshop Classification Scale. SPSS version 22 was used for the data entry and statistical analysis. RESULTS: 433 (43%) participants had musculoskeletal discomfort and 568 (57%) had hand vibration. Raynaud phenomenon was evident in 430 (43%) participants, whereas carpal tunnel syndrome was found in 218 (22%). Tingling was reported by 255 participants (26%), and numbness was reported by 543 (54%). According to the grading of neurological symptoms, 461 (46%) participants were exposed to vibration but did not experience any symptoms, placing them in stage 0. 185 (18.5%) participants with HAVS with infrequent episodes affecting just the tips of one or more fingers were categorized in stage 01 based on grading of vascular symptoms. CONCLUSION: HAVS are common among harvesting farmers, with the most noticeable vibrations occurring in the shoulder region. Similarly, most farmers had no vascular symptoms, and most were exposed to vibration but had no neurological symptoms.