Factors associated with scoliosis in schoolchildren: a cross-sectional population-based study.

Marina Pegoraro Baroni,Silvana Alves Pereira,Klayton Galante Sousa,Rafael Gomes Dos Santos,Geronimo Jos&Eacute; Bouzas Sanchis,Sanderson Jos&Eacute; Costa De Assis,Johnnatas Mikael Lopes

doi:10.2188/jea.je20140061

Marina Pegoraro Baroni, Silvana Alves Pereira + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.2188/jea.je20140061

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Abstract

BackgroundThe present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of scoliosis and to analyze the factors associated with scoliosis in schoolchildren aged between 7 and 17 years.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional and quantitative study with stratified random selection of public school students in the city of Santa Cruz, Brazil. The presence of scoliosis was examined, as well as the flexibility of the posterior muscle chain, socioeconomic characteristics, anthropometry, lifestyle habits, sexual maturation, and ergonomics of school furniture. In order to identify factors associated with scoliosis, the variables were divided in biological, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and ergonomic factors, and crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) were estimated by means of Poisson regression analysis.ResultsTwo hundred and twelve pupils participated in this study (mean age 11.61 years, 58% female). The prevalence of scoliosis was 58.1% (n = 123) and associated with female sex (PR 2.54; 95% CI, 1.33–4.86) and age between 13 and 15 years (PR 5.35; 95% CI, 2.17–13.21). Sleeping in a hammock was inversely associated with scoliosis (PR 0.44; 95% CI, 0.23–0.81).ConclusionsScoliosis seems to be positively associated with female sex and age between 13 and 15 years, whereas the habit of sleeping in a hammock is negatively associated with the onset of scoliosis.

Highlights

Posture is the relationship between muscles, bones, and joints, and posture adapts to internal and external stimuli
We cannot assert that public school students are all needy, it has been observed that most public school students in Brazil originated in disadvantaged economic classes, and that, from 6 to 7 years
Since epidemiological studies of schoolchildren from regions with low socioeconomic status in Brazil are scarce, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of scoliosis and to analyze the factors associated with scoliosis in school-aged children between 7 and 17 years old living in a city located in the Northeast region of Brazil

Summary

Introduction

Posture is the relationship between muscles, bones, and joints, and posture adapts to internal and external stimuli. There are several risk factors that promote changes in posture, including heredity, inadequate postural habits, low physical activity, overweight and obesity, and other factors.[2] In addition, the school environment may be detrimental to good postures due to the presence of risk factors such as: inadequate school furniture, sitting for long periods of time, asymmetric straps on school backpacks and/or backpacks overloaded with school supplies, the use of inappropriate footwear, and other factors.[2,4,5] In addition to these risk factors, the socioeconomic level of the family seems to be related with the presence of scoliosis.[6] we cannot assert that public school students are all needy, it has been observed that most public school students in Brazil originated in disadvantaged economic classes, and that, from 6 to 7 years of age, height reflects socioeconomic and environmental factors in which the child lives.[6] Besides the lack of balanced nutrition, regular use of appropriate footwear and other modulating factors affect phenotype.[7]. Conclusions: Scoliosis seems to be positively associated with female sex and age between 13 and 15 years, whereas the habit of sleeping in a hammock is negatively associated with the onset of scoliosis

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