# Prevalence and Classification of Scoliosis Among Female University Students in Saudi Arabia

## TL;DR

This study found that nearly a third of female university students in Saudi Arabia have scoliosis, with posture and leg-length issues linked to functional scoliosis and family history to structural scoliosis.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the prevalence and subtype-specific risk factors for scoliosis in young adult women in Saudi Arabia.

## Key findings

- 35.7% of female university students had scoliosis, with 26.2% functional and 9.5% structural.
- Functional scoliosis was linked to sitting posture, leg-length discrepancy, and age.
- Structural scoliosis was associated with family history and back pain.

## Abstract

What are the main findings?

Scoliosis was present in 35.7% of female university students: 26.2% had functional scoliosis and 9.5% had structural scoliosis.

Functional scoliosis was associated with habitual sitting posture, leg-length discrepancy, and age, whereas structural scoliosis was associated with habitual sitting posture, family history, and back pain.

What is the implication of the main finding?

Screening should differentiate functional from structural scoliosis and include routine assessment of posture and leg-length discrepancy.

Targeted ergonomic education and early physiotherapy may help correct reversible postural curves in functional scoliosis and support symptom management in individuals with structural scoliosis.

Background/Objectives: Although screening for scoliosis is common among adolescents, little is known about its subtypes and their correlations in young adults. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and classification of scoliosis (functional vs. structural) among female university students in Saudi Arabia and to examine associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 263 female students at Taibah University. Screening was performed using Adam’s forward bending test and a scoliometer. Data on age, body mass index, academic year, hand dominance, habitual sitting posture, backpack carriage method, leg-length discrepancy, painful conditions, and family history of scoliosis were collected. The association between scoliosis subtypes and contributing factors was analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and Spearman’s correlation. Results: Scoliosis was identified in 94 students (prevalence, 35.7%). Of these, 26.2% had functional scoliosis, whereas 9.5% had structural scoliosis. Functional scoliosis was significantly associated with sitting posture, leg-length discrepancy, and age (p < 0.05), whereas structural scoliosis was associated with family history, habitual sitting posture, and painful conditions (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The high prevalence and differing profiles of scoliosis subtypes underscore the need for routine postural screening in universities. Early identification and ergonomic education may help in selecting appropriate targeted interventions for individuals with functional or structural scoliosis.