Associated Factors of Growth With the Prevalence of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Among Female Primary School Children in Kuala Langat

ABSTRACT

@#Introduction: Scoliosis is a deformity of the spine that presents with a ‘S’ or ‘C’ curve with the most common type called Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). The deformity begins unnoticed and can rapidly progress into severe deformation during the adolescent’s growth spurt. Factors such as onset of puberty, dietary intake, physical activity and ethnicity contributes to the development of AIS. Therefore, this study aims to determine the association of these factors with the prevalence of AIS among female school children in Kuala Langat. Methods: A total of 374 students between age 10 and 12 from six different primary schools in Kuala Langat were recruited according to the inclusion criteria. Consent form and questionnaire was distributed to the student’s parents/guardian prior conducting the research. Adam’s Forward Bend Test was performed to measure the rotation of the trunk using a smartphone Scoliometer Application. Results:Out of 374 students, 21 students from schools in Kuala Langat were found positive for AIS with a prevalence rate of 5.6%. However, no association was seen between the student’s age of menarche, dairy intake, frequency in physical activity and ethnicity with the prevalence of AIS. Conclusion: The factors measured in this study showed no association with the prevalence of AIS among school children in Kuala Langat.