A Prevalence study of hand arm vibration syndrome and its association with hand grip strength in farmers around Jalgaon district.

Abstract

Aim- To find the Prevalence of hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and its association with hand grip strength in farmers around Jalgaon district. Objectives- To find the prevalence of HAVS in farmers using Stockholm workshop scale and to assess hand grip strength in farmers having HAVS using Hand dynamometer. Methodology- A prevalence study was conducted among farmers. Farmers were selected according to inclusion criteria. The Stockholm workshop scale was used to check vascular and sensorineural symptoms in farmers, after diagnosing HAVS, the hand grip strength of the subjects was assessed by using hand dynamometer. Result- Data from 90 farmers was obtained and analyzed. Affected population of both vascular and sensorineural component, among which 18.88% population had mild symptoms and 13.33% of population had moderate symptoms. Among which mild (n=2) population and moderate (n=8) population had very poor grip strength (<40). Conclusion- The total prevalence of affected population having HAVS is 31%. there may be a risk of having more severe symptoms of HAVS in future which provides a better understanding of the impact and extend of HAVS in farmers.