Public health and biomedical aspects of scoliosis among school population at the age of 7-14 in the Republic of Macedonia

Abstract

Introduction: Scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine, which as a pathological condition was known and treated at the time of Hypocrites. Scoliosis is a problem which exists in all countries around the world, especially in the developing ones. In RM, scoliosis among school children at the age of 7-14 is represented by 7.5 %. Objective: To certify the representation of radiologically diagnosed scoliosis among school children in RM, the specific types of scoliosis in relation to age, location, degree of scoliosis according to the angle of deviation of the spine, as well as to define the risk factors for the occurrence. Study Design: Casecontrol study from casual type conducted on children at the age of 7-14. Methods: In order to fulfil the purposes of the research, two groups were formed: examined and control group. Children were divided into three groups according to age: the age of 7-9, 10-12 and 13-14. A questionnaire was also prepared on the basis of recommendations given by SRS. The questionnaire consisted of 15 rules and was intended for parents. Statistical processing was done in Statistics for Windows 8.0. Results: According to gender distribution, scoliosis is more likely to be found in females, 64.49% in comparison to male children. Distribution according to age illustrates that scoliosis is most likely to appear among age groups of 10-12, 58.7%. Juvenile and adolescent scoliosis is much more likely to appear in female children. The connection between the socioeconomical status and scoliosis was also confirmed. Namely, 52.9% of children from average socioeconomical status according to FAS-scale have 2.18 times significantly greater risk of developing scoliosis. Ratio of scoliosis according to the place of living (urban and rural area) is 52.9% : 47.1%. Sitting in front of the computer, physical inactivity, as well as high BMI is a great risk factor for development of scoliosis. The questionnaire also confirmed low level of education among parents regarding this problem, 15.9%. Symmetrical sports prevent scoliosis from developing. Within the examined group of children, the division is made according to the level of scoliosis: mild, medium and severe scoliosis. Most often developed is the double scoliosis 66.87% in comparison to single thoracic 12.32% and lumbar 21.02% deviation. The angle of deviation (Cobb) moves in intervals of 9-78 degrees, with average value of 15.76+8.5. Conclusion: The first research of this type in the country, which gives information of essential significance for improvement and promotion of health, as well as improvement of primary prevention, all aiming to protect child health, and thus creating a healthy society and realization of the Declaration of WHO "Health for everyone in the 21st century".