Positive rate and influencing factors of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis among school children aged 9 to 18 years in Xiamen, China

Abstract

Abstract Objective The present study aimed to investigate the positive rate of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) among school children in Xiamen, Fujian province, China, and evaluate its possible risk factors. Methods The study was a school-based, cross-sectional scoliosis screening program in Xiamen city. A total of 19,315 school children aged 9–18 years in Xiamen were recruited using a multistage sampling approach. Scoliosis screening was performed through visual inspection of clinical signs, Adams forward bending test, and measurement of trunk rotation angles using a scoliometer. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and behavioral factors were collected using a questionnaire, and logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the possible risk factors. Results The overall positive rate of AIS among school children was 7.12%. Among underweight students, 10.36% were confirmed to have a positive diagnosis of AIS. Multivariable logistic regression models demonstrated age and sex (AOR: 5.00, 95% CI: 4.33–5.76) were associated with AIS. Girls who had experienced menarche (AOR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.10–1.77) had a higher risk of developing AIS. Students with low body mass index (BMI) (AOR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.39–2.19), insufficient sleep duration (AOR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.45–1.93), and carrying single-shoulder bags (AOR: 2.73, 95% CI: 2.38–3.13) were more likely to develop AIS. Discussion The positive rate of AIS among school children in Xiamen was 7.12%. Older age, girls, low BMI, insufficient sleep duration, and carrying single-shoulder bags were risk factors for AIS.

Keywords

• Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
• Scoliosis screening
• Positive rate
• Body mass index