Assessing the prevalence of spinal deformities and their clinical effects in adolescent Egyptian males: a cross-sectional study

TL;DR

This study found that back deformities are common in Egyptian adolescent males and linked to lifestyle and diet factors.

Contribution

The study identifies modifiable risk factors for spinal deformities in Egyptian adolescents, suggesting potential prevention strategies.

Findings

15.4% of adolescent males had back deformities, with kyphosis being the most common.

Lifestyle factors like mobile phone use and diet were significantly associated with deformities.

Students with deformities reported more back pain in the past three months.

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of back deformities among Egyptian adolescent males. Secondary objectives included identifying associated factors and assessing any relationship with back symptoms.

A cross-sectional study was conducted during the 2020–2021 academic year among male students aged 12–14 years attending preparatory and secondary schools in Al-Khargah city, Egypt. A total of 532 students, having a mean age of 12.9 ± 0.5 years, were enrolled from randomly selected government schools. Assessment included a structured self-administered questionnaire, clinical screening for spinal deformities, and radiographic confirmation for suspected cases.

The clinical prevalence of back deformities was 15.4%, with 13.5% having kyphosis and 1.9% scoliosis. Radiographic confirmation revealed structural deformities in 6.8% of participants, while 8.6% had postural kyphosis. Significant factors associated with clinical deformities included being underweight (OR 6.17), prolonged mobile phone use (> 4 h daily, OR 2.67), owning a mobile phone for > 3 years (OR 2.22), watching television regularly (OR 3.33), and reclining/sleeping during TV viewing (OR 2.08/1.98). Rare consumption of yogurt (OR 3.44) and cheese (OR 3.63) was also significantly associated with spinal deformities. Students with deformities reported substantially more back pain over the past three months (OR 2.69).

Back deformities are relatively common among adolescent males in southern Egypt and are significantly associated with modifiable lifestyle and nutritional factors. Early screening and targeted school-based health education may help prevent progression and reduce associated morbidity.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13018-025-06388-6.