Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy and is frequently associated with occupations involving repetitive hand and wrist activities. Preschool teachers are particularly vulnerable due to prolonged fine motor tasks, sustained writing, and awkward wrist postures. However, limited local evidence exists comparing CTS prevalence between public and private preschool teachers. To compare the prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome among public and private preschool teachers in Lahore. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 310 preschool teachers (109 public and 201 private) aged 22–40 years using non-probability convenience sampling. CTS was assessed using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) for symptom severity and functional status, along with Phalen’s test for clinical evaluation. Demographic data were collected, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to present frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. CTS was prevalent in both public and private preschool teachers, with a higher burden observed in the private sector. Positive Phalen’s test was found in 32.9% of private teachers compared to 24.8% of public teachers. Based on BCTQ severity scores, severe to very severe CTS was reported in 51.4% of private teachers, whereas 25.2% of public teachers fell into these categories. Functional impairment was also more pronounced in private teachers, with severe functional limitation reported in 58.7% compared to 33.0% in the public sector. Females constituted the majority of affected participants (87.1%). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is highly prevalent among preschool teachers, particularly in the private sector, where greater severity and functional impairment were observed. Early screening, ergonomic modifications, and physiotherapy-led preventive interventions are recommended to reduce CTS-related disability and improve occupational health outcomes.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Preschool Teachers; Occupational Health; Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire; Physiotherapy

Index Terms- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Preschool Teachers; Occupational Health; Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire; Physiotherapy