Spinal Deformities Among School Children in Zagazig

A multistage random sample of 2400 pupils was selected from schools in Zagazig where screening test with Modified Posture Grid Device to determine the prevalence of spinal def­ Drmi ties was performed. Of the total sample, from either sex in primary” preparatory and secondary levels of education. 838 were found suffering from a type of deformity with a rate of 34.9”/0. A questionnaire was designed for the spinal deformed group. The data collected included: 1) 2) Social and environmental data. Scholastic achievement. 3) 4) Some anthropometric measurements. Evaluation of class room environment. Analysis of the collected data revealed that spinal deformities were in most cases a result of interaction between socioeconomic environment and school environment. The prevalence rate Was also ~fected by the environmental condition in which the student lived, namely parents education, family income and crowding index and standard of satisfaction at class-room furnitures. However, consanguinity was not correlated wtth the prevalence of spinal deformities. During physical examination of students either on admission to school or periodically, it is recommended that 11 plonned attempt should be made for early recognition of spinal deformit­ ies in order to be able to treat them effectively.^leng