Investigations of Spinal Abnormalities among Elementary School Pupils in the Municipality of Peja

Abstract

Background: Almost 30% of children and adolescents complain of back pain, and very few of them consult a doctor or physiotherapist about it. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of spinal deformities among Grade V and VI students, determine the contributing factors, and evaluate gender differences in the occurrence of spinal deformities. Methods and Results: This cross-sectional study was based on a systematic analysis of reality using a questionnaire and a physical examination (spinal observation and Adam’s forward bend test for scoliosis). The study included 293 pupils (143 girls and 150 boys) from three elementary schools in the Municipality of Peja. Based on our study’s findings, the most prevalent spinal deformity observed was moderate to severe kyphosis signs, accounting for 29.7%, followed by moderate to severe scoliosis (16.4%), alterations in cervical and lumbar lordosis (16.0%), mild scoliosis signs (14.7%), diagnosed scoliosis (11.9%), mild kyphosis signs (9.6%), and diagnosed kyphosis (1.7%). The prevalence of deformities was higher in girls. Our findings revealed moderate and strong positive correlations between the school-home distance and all spinal deformities treated in this study (P=0.000 in all cases). In addition, there were weak positive correlations between the schoolbag weight and moderate to severe scoliosis signs, moderate to severe kyphosis signs, and changes in cervical and lumbar lordosis (P<0.05 in all cases). Conclusion: Heavy backpacks and school-home distance are contributing factors to spinal deformities. These findings emphasize the necessity for interventions addressing backpack weight, school-home distance, and gender-specific considerations to reduce spinal deformities among students.

Keywords

• spinal deformities
• pupils
• contributing factors
• prevention