Prevalence of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis and Its Impact on Quality of Lifeamong Registered Mobile E- Gamers of Private Universities in Peshawar: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis (DQT) is an overuse musculoskeletal disorder characterized by entrapment of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons, typically resulting from repetitive thumb movements and poor wrist ergonomics. With the rapid rise of e-gaming among young adults in Pakistan, concerns have emerged regarding its impact on musculoskeletal health. University students, in particular, are at risk due to prolonged daily gaming sessions, which may contribute to both physical and psychological health impairments. Objective: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of DQT among university e-gamers in Peshawar and assess its association with quality of life, focusing on both physical and mental health domains. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 175 students aged 18–30 years enrolled in e-gaming societies at private universities in Peshawar. Participants were eligible if they had at least one year of gaming experience and played a minimum of two hours daily. DQT was diagnosed using the Finkelstein test, while quality of life was assessed through the SF-12 Health Survey, measuring both physical (SF-PCS) and mental (SF-MCS) component scores. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24, applying descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. Results: Out of 175 participants, 159 (90.9%) were male and 16 (9.1%) were female. The prevalence of DQT was 32% (n = 56), with 68% (n = 119) testing negative. A significant association was observed between gaming duration and DQT, as students playing more than three hours daily had higher positivity rates (p = 0.044). Chi-square analysis revealed strong associations between DQT and reduced quality of life, with significantly lower SF-PCS (χ² = 127.778, p < 0.001) and SF-MCS scores (χ² = 144.618, p < 0.001) among affected participants. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that DQT is prevalent among university e-gamers in Peshawar and is significantly associated with reduced physical and mental health outcomes. Preventive strategies such as ergonomic awareness programs, scheduled breaks, and stretching exercises should be integrated into student health initiatives to mitigate the growing burden of this condition.