Prevalence of Scoliosis in the Adolescent Junior High School Students

Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of scoliosis in adolescent middle school students in Siva’s province and to investigate the necessity of early screening. Materials and methods: To determine the prevalence of scoliosis, 12 junior high schools in Sivas Province were selected by using the clustering sampling method. In these schools, a total of 557 students aged between 9-15 and who received education in 5th and 8th grade were evaluated. Adam's Forward Bend Test and scoliometer were used. Results: As a conclusion of scoliosis screening, preliminary scoliosis was diagnosed with a total of 31 students, 14 girls and 17 boy students. 233 of the scoliotic curvatures were right-sided, 114 were left-sided and 3 were bilateral. Spine levels where scoliosis was found were 49.6% thoracic, 12.6% thoracic-lumbar, and 0.9% lumbar levels. Rotational Degree of curvature was found at 7 degrees 2.9%, 8 degrees 1.6%, 9 degrees 0.4% and 10 degrees 0.7%. The incidence of scoliosis was found to be 8.8% in those carrying a school bag on one shoulder and 41.3% in students who spent a long time at a desk. Conclusions: As a result of our study, we believe that the prevalence of the scoliotic curvature will be reduced by the teaching of correct posture and exercises.