Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Scoliosis in College Students

Poor posture and the overuse of electronic devices may lead to an increased incidence of spinal deformity and even scoliosis in students. To investigate the incidence of scoliosis in college students and to explore related risk factors for this problem, a cross-sectional study examining scoliosis was conducted with 318 college students and a cross-sectional survey was delivered to 593 college students on risk factors related to spinal health problems, after all a descriptive analysis and an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) were performed on the collected data. Among 318 college students, 7.23 % of them received a scoliosis diagnosis at greater than seven degrees. The results of the AHP showed that sitting with crossed legs was the most important risk factor for scoliosis. Among the 593 subjects, 35.92% of college students reported always sitting with crossed legs, 33.22% always falling asleep at their desk, and 79.59% seated for more than six hours per day. Spinal health problems, particularly scoliosis, are common among college students. Awareness should be spread for risk factors related to these problems.