Repetitive Strain Injuries in Adults in the Past 3 Months: United States, 2021

Objectives-This report describes the percentage of adults aged 18 and over who reported injuries from repetitive strain in the past 3 months by selected sociodemographic characteristics, including age, sex, race and Hispanic origin, and family income. The impacts of these injuries-limitation of usual activity for at least 24 hours and whether a medical professional was consulted for the injuries-are also examined. Methods-Data from the 2021 National Health Interview Survey were used to estimate the percentage of adults who had repetitive strain injuries in the past 3 months by sociodemographic characteristics. Among those who had a repetitive strain injury in the past 3 months, 24-hour limitation of activity and consultation of a medical professional are also examined by sociodemographic characteristics. Results-In 2021, for adults aged 18 and over in the United States, 9.0% had repetitive strain injuries in the past 3 months. Adults aged 35-49 (10.3%) and 50-64 (11.6%), White non-Hispanic adults (subsequently, White; 9.5%), and adults with family income at 400% or more of the federal poverty level (9.8%) tended to have higher percentages. For those who had repetitive strain injuries, 44.2% limited their activities for at least 24 hours, with the highest percentages among White adults (47.0%), women (47.1%), and adults with a family income less than 200% of the federal poverty level (51.0%). For those who limited their activity for at least 24 hours due to a repetitive strain injury, 51.4% consulted a doctor or medical professional, with the highest percentages among women (56.3%) and Black non-Hispanic adults (66.2%).