OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of idiopathic scoliosis and its associated factors in schoolchildren of elementary public schools. METHODS: Cross sectional two-phase study, the first of which in classrooms. Those considered Adams positive were invited for the second phase, which consisted of an interview for associated factors and a scoliosis exam. Those with a confirmed test in the second phase were submitted to x-rays for scoliosis and other factors. To estimate the prevalence, curves with > 5 and > 10 Cobb degrees were used as cut off. RESULTS: In the first phase, 382 students were counted as Adams positive; of these 210 came for the second phase, 142 of which with a confirmed test. Using a chi-square test to compare the variables age, sex and color of the lost group (n = 172) to the group that accepted the invitation (n = 210), no statistical significance was observed, allowing statistical inference for the sample studied (n = 3,105). The estimated prevalence of scoliosis in the sample studied was 5.3% for curves > 5 Cobb degrees and 2.2% for curves > 10 Cobb degrees. Thoracic curves were observed in 44.8%, Risser grade 1 in 97.4%, and vertebral rotation degree I in 3.2%. Statistical significance was observed (p < 0.05) for the association of scoliosis with: physical activity, hump, and flexibility of the spine to the right. CONCLUSION: The estimated prevalence of scoliosis in our study is comparable to those from other studies. However, its diagnosis and follow-up are important to health promotion and to the prevention of more severe disorders.
Scoliosis; Adolescents; Children; Epidemiology; Spine; School health
