School screening for scoliosis among male adolescents in Abha City, Southwestern Saudi Arabia

To study the prevalence of scoliosis and its associated factors among male adolescents in Abha city intermediate and secondary schools, Aseer Region, Southwestern Saudi Arabia.

Through a cross-sectional study, students were interviewed about personal and demographic data, method of back-bag carriage, and regular practice of any physical exercise. Body mass index (BMI) was measured and student’s bag weight/BMI ratio (%) was computed. Screening for scoliosis was performed using inspection of the vertebral column and Adam’s Forward Bending Test (FBT). Using scolimeter a reading equal or exceed 5 degrees was considered positive.

Out of 417 screened adolescents, 90 students were positive giving a prevalence rate of scoliosis of 19.1% (95% CI: 15.7 23.0). Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, the probability of positive scoliosis was significantly higher in-secondary school (aOR=2.304. 95% CI: 1.447-3.676) and obese and overweight (aOR=2.433. 95% CI: 1.565-3.787) adolescents. On the other hand, regular practicing of physical exercises was significantly negatively associated with scoliosis (aOR=0.469, 95% CI: -316-0.695).

The present study identified scoliosis as a substantial problem among adolescents. School health authorities need to foster a screening program for scoliosis, particularly among secondary school adolescents. School health promotion programs should address overweight and promote physical exercise to deal with this problem.