Prevalence and Risk Factors of the Foot Pain in University Freshmen: One Year Follow-up Study

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of the foot pain in university freshmen and one year follow-up study. METHOD: The subjects were interviewed about the prevalence and risk factors of the foot pain, which were followed up one year later. RESULTS: In a total of 1, 784 subjects, the prevalence of the foot pain was 22.3% with 17.4% in men and 27.6% in women. The foot pain in the groups was significantly associated with gender, the height of heels, the size of shoes, the recent change of shoes, trauma, change in weight, the shoe type at present and the daily walking distance. There was no significant relation between foot pain and the other parameters, such as body mass index, change of the shoe type or change in height. One hundred and fifty seven subjects were reevaluated after one year. The prevalence of the foot pain was 30.6% with 25.4% in males and 34.9% in females. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of the foot pain was 22.3% in university freshmen and 30.6% in one year follow up study, and was significantly associated with shoe problems and lifestyles.