Experience of Hand and Wrist Pain Among Fine Art Students and Its Impact on Work

Abstract

Background: Fine arts students are highly susceptible to hand and wrist pain due to repetitive fine motor tasks, awkward postures, and prolonged tool use, which can lead to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) affecting academic performance and quality of life. Despite the growing recognition of WMSDs in creative professions, limited data exist on their prevalence and functional impact among fine arts students. Objective: To assess the prevalence and severity of hand and wrist pain and its impact on functional performance among final-year fine arts students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 165 final-year students (22–30 years) from three institutions in Lahore, Pakistan. Hand function, pain, and satisfaction were measured using the Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ). Data were analyzed with SPSS 25.0 using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression to evaluate group differences and associations. Results: Among participants, 39.4% reported moderate hand function limitations (MHQ 50–74) and 26.1% showed significant impairment (<50). Moderate pain was reported by 39.4% of students, and only 20.6% expressed excellent satisfaction with hand function. A strong negative correlation was observed between pain and function (r = –0.78, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Hand and wrist pain is common and clinically significant among fine arts students, warranting early ergonomic interventions and occupational therapy strategies.