ObjectivesTo determine the influence of ethnic disparities, socioeconomic status (SES) and hukou on the incidence of scoliosis.MethodsWe enrolled 2,445 junior high school students (Han: 1,153; ethnic minorities: 1,292) aged 12–16 years from two schools in Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County, Gansu Province from November 2020 to February 2021. We measured the angle of trunk rotation (ATR) using a scoliometer. Two-factor analysis of variance was used to comparatively analyze differences in the ATR according to ethnicity, age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and SES between the groups. Associations between risk factors and scoliosis were estimated using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals with an unconditional multivariate logistic regression model for the two groups.ResultsAdolescents with Han ethnicity were more likely to have scoliosis than their ethnic minority counterparts (10.8% vs. 7.1%, P < 0.05). The ATR value in the Han group decreased with age whereas the minority group showed an upward trend (P < 0.05). The difference between ethnic groups was not significant, only at level 3. In particular, the ATR values among Han girls were significantly higher than those of ethnic minority girls (P < 0.05). Compared with Han adolescents, the BMI of ethnic minorities had a greater impact on the ATR. A statistically significant difference in SES was found between the two ethnic groups (P < 0.05). Hukou and parents' occupation had an important influence on the onset of scoliosis.ConclusionsHan adolescents had higher ATR values and were more likely to have scoliosis than ethnic minority adolescents in our study. Growth and development indicators (height and BMI) and differences in SES between the two groups played an important role.
ObjectiveWe investigated regional disparities in rates of scoliosis among adolescents in western and eastern China and the dominant factors underlying these disparities.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used data from a school scoliosis screening program conducted in two typical areas: Yangpu District of Shanghai (eastern China) and Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County of Gansu Province (western China), during October 2020 to February 2021. Participants included adolescents aged 12–16 years (4,240 in Shanghai and 2,510 in Gansu Province). School scoliosis screening data were obtained on age, sex, height, weight and BMI, and region as well. We screened angles of trunk rotation in level of proximal thoracic (T1–T4), main thoracic (T5–T12), and lumbar (T12–L4) by the forward bend test with scoliometer. An angle of trunk rotation ≥5° was used as the criterion to identify suspected scoliosis.ResultsThe proportion of suspected scoliosis was lower in Shanghai (6.9%) than in Gansu (8.6%). Angle of trunk rotation tended to increase with age in Shanghai, peaking at 15 years, but decreased with age in Gansu, and bottomed at 15 years. The angle of trunk rotation in the proximal thoracic, main thoracic, and lumbar part of the spine appeared to be larger in Gansu adolescents and in Shanghai female adolescents. Age was a relevant factor in angle trunk rotation in regression models and interacted with region as well.ConclusionWe found regional and age- and sex-related disparities in rates of suspected scoliosis.
Based on the data of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Changzhou obtained by the Disabled Persons’ Federation, this study sampled some children with CP and investigated their survival status, treatment cost, and family burden so as to provide scientific decision-making basis and policy suggestions for coping with disease hazards and improving children’s quality of life. In this study, a simple random sampling method was used to conduct household surveys of the selected children with CP. The economic burden of CP is measured by direct and indirect methods, and the quality of life of patients of children with CP and their families is analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by the EuroQol Five Dimensions (EQ-5D) Questionnaire. The average family economic burden of each case of CP in Changzhou was about 4,188,500 yuan, of which the direct medical burden was 205,800 yuan and the indirect economic burden was 3,982,700 yuan. The socioeconomic burden of CP in Changzhou is as high as about 2.244 billion yuan. From the EQ-5D measurement results of 55 children with CP, the average index score was 0.423, which was lower than the national general population level. The proportions of patients with CP who have problems in the five aspects of action, self-care, daily activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression are 72.73%, 81.82%, 81.82%, 83.64%, and 92.73%, respectively, which are significantly higher than those of the national general population. The average score of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is 58.09, which is significantly lower than the national general population level. The only major factor affecting the quality of life of patients with CP and their families is the health status represented by the EQ-5D score. To liberate and develop the labor ability of patients and their direct caregivers through clinical treatment, rehabilitation, and special education is the most effective way to reduce the socioeconomic burden of CP. Relevant government departments should perform their duties, integrate social assistance resources, implement early intervention, and launch targeted support and assistance policy.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.