Adolesanlarda Skolyoz Taraması ve Sosyoekonomik Belirleyicilerin Değerlendirilmesi

Abstract

Suvay, S., Evaluation of Scoliosis Screening in Adolescents and Socioeconomic Determinants, Hacettepe University Graduate School of Health Sciences Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Program Master's Thesis, Ankara, 2025. This study aimed to detect the incidence of scoliosis by evaluating children categorized as having low, medium, and high socioeconomic levels using the Spinal Mouse device in the frontal plane, as well as to assess obesity, quality of life, leisure activities, and self-esteem. A total of 149 children aged between 10 and 14 years were included in the study, and scoliosis suspicion was detected in 23.5% (35 children). The spinal curvatures of the children in the frontal plane were evaluated with the Spinal Mouse device. Additionally, the children's obesity angles were assessed using the ISICO scoliosis meter program, their quality of life was measured with the SRS-22 Quality of Life Scale, self-esteem was evaluated using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and leisure activities were assessed with a leisure time scale. No significant differences were found between children with and without scoliosis suspicion regarding age, gender, socioeconomic levels, the condition of having medium/high scores on the Rosenberg self-esteem scale, parental education levels, and income levels (p>0.05). In children with scoliosis suspicion, the SRS-22 scores for Pain, Body Image, Spinal Function, and Mental Health were found to be lower compared to children without scoliosis suspicion (p<0.05).In children with scoliosis suspicion, the SRS-22 scores for Pain, Body Image, Spinal Function, and Mental Health were found to be lower compared to those without scoliosis suspicion (p<0.05). It was determined that as the obesity values of children with scoliosis suspicion increased, their SRS-22 Body Image scores decreased (p<0.05). It has been determined that as the obesity values of children with suspected scoliosis increase, their SRS-22 body image scores decrease (p<0.05). The effects of physical activity, gender, socioeconomic status, and self-esteem on thoracic curvature in children with suspected scoliosis were not found to be significant (p>0.05). Among children with suspected scoliosis, those who engage in physical activity have lower obesity values compared to those who do not (p<0.05). Our findings suggest that scoliosis is becoming more prevalent, that socioeconomic conditions do not have an impact on children's spinal health, and that physical activity positively influences spinal health. We believe that early detected spinal problems can be managed with appropriate guidance, and that school screening programs should be implemented throughout Turkey for better detection.