Factors Related to Prevalence of Hallux Valgus in Female University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

BackgroundWe investigated the prevalence of hallux valgus (HV) and examined its association with various factors in a cross-sectional study of Japanese female university students.MethodsA questionnaire survey of foot symptoms, lifestyle, and body mass index (BMI) was administered to 343 women who provided informed consent at a women’s university. Footprints were obtained and bone density was measured. Associations of HV with various factors were analyzed by logistic regression analysis.ResultsBig toe pain was reported in 26.5% of the women. HV (HV angle, ≥15°) was present in the left foot in 22.4%, the right foot in 20.7%, and unilaterally or bilaterally in 29.7% of women. Mild HV (HV angle, ≥15° to <20°) was noted in the left foot and right foot in 13.4% and 13.1% of women, respectively; no severe HV (HV angle, ≥40°) was observed. HV was associated with big toe pain (adjusted OR: 3.56, 95% CI: 2.01–6.32), history of HV in the mother or maternal grandmother (adjusted OR: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.19–5.02), and history of HV in other family members (adjusted OR: 3.09, 95% CI: 1.35–7.06). Moderate HV was associated with big toe pain (adjusted OR: 4.58, 95% CI: 2.17–9.66) and history of HV in the mother or maternal grandmother (adjusted OR: 3.36, 95% CI: 1.40–8.07). The proportion of women with big toe pain increased significantly with HV severity.ConclusionsHV was present in about 30% of female university students. Young women with big toe pain or a family history of HV should be evaluated for HV.

PREVALENCE OF HALLUX ABDUCTO VALGUS AMONG VARIOUS GROUPS IN ANAMBRA STATE OF NIGERIA; Predominio de hallux abducto valgus entre varios grupos en el estado de anambra de Nigeria

“…Our result also showed that the prevalence of HAV increases with increasing age. This is similar to the findings of Dare et al (2005) and Okuda et al (2014). In decreasing order of magnitude, the total number of subjects who had HAV in our study was: both feet 57(5.5%), left foot 49(4.7%) and right foot 27(2.6%).…”

“…It is characterized by lateral deviation of the proximal phalanx of the hallux, medial deviation of the first metatarsal bone, and subluxation of the first metartasophalangeal (MTP) joint (Dare et al, 2005). Hallux Abducto Valgus is associated with a medial prominence (bunion) at the first MTP joint which is caused by protruding head of first metatarsal bone (Janssen et al, 2014) with swollen and inflamed skin as a result of friction from shoes (Okuda et al, 2014). Bunions may also be caused by some other factors which include osteoarthritis, bursal inflammation, ganglion formation or gouty arthropathy.…”

“…A study conducted among a rural Korean community between the age range of 40 to 69 years gave a prevalence of 64.7% (Cho et al, 2009). Okuda et al (2014) studied the prevalence of HAV among 634 female student about 20 years of age or less in Japan and reported a prevalence rate of 29.7%. Daniel and Lobo (2010) reported a prevalence of 36.5% among a Chinese female population.…”

“…In Nigeria, Owoeye et al (2011), reported a prevalence of 15.4%, among a youth population in Lagos, while a survey conducted among three ethnic groups in Delta state showed a prevalence of 28%, 25% and 23.3% for Isoko, Urhobo and Delta Ibo respectively (Dare et al, 2005). The literature suggests that HAV is more prevalent in women; a notion which is attributed to use of high heeled shoes in women (Dare et al, 2005, Okuda et al, 2014, Morales-Orcajo et al, 2015, Nguyen, 2010, Mafart, 2007. A study in Boston among elderly subjects reported a prevalence of 58% in women and 25% in men (Nguyen, 2010).…”

“…The Framinghan study (Dufour et al, 2014) conducted in Massachussetts reported a prevalence rate of 44% in females and 22% in men among people within the ages of 36 and 100 years. The prevalence of HAV is thought to be more in elderly people as compared to younger people, (Dare et al, 2005, Okuda et al, 2014, Dufour et al, 2014, Nguyen, 2010, Cho et al, 2009, Mafart, 2007, which is probably due to bone changes associated with ageing (Roddy et al, 2008). HAV can occur on one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral) of the feet.…”