Assessment of postural habits and lifestyle factors for scoliosis risk in students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66636/gmj.v1.i3.a184Keywords:
Scoliosis, Students, Posture-related habits, Physical Activity, posture, spinal health, health awareness, cross-sectional survey, GeorgiaAbstract
Background: Scoliosis is a three-dimensional spinal deformity affecting approximately 2–3% of adolescents worldwide. Lifestyle factors and postural habits during formative years may influence both the development and progression of spinal deformities; however, evidence on postural awareness and health behaviour in student populations remains limited.
Aim: To assess postural habits, physical activity patterns, and voluntary postural control among university and school students, and to describe the prevalence of self-reported posture-related complaints and prior scoliosis diagnosis.
Methods: A cross-sectional, self-administered online survey (Google Forms) was distributed among university and school students from institutions across Georgia (November 2025–May 2026). The structured questionnaire comprised 10 items addressing preferred resting posture, physical activity participation, history of scoliosis diagnosis, presence of postural complaints, and frequency of voluntary postural monitoring. Descriptive statistics were computed for all items. A total of 104 respondents aged 17–28 years were included.
Results: The majority of participants (80%) reported habitually lying on a sofa when using electronic devices, a posture associated with increased spinal loading. Only 17.3% engaged in regular morning exercise and 55.3% participated in any sport. Among respondents, 2.9% reported a prior scoliosis diagnosis and 14.4% were uncertain of their status. Posture-related complaints were common: 31.1% reported habitual slouching, 26.2% lower back pain, and 5.8% rapid back fatigue during classes. Systematic postural self-monitoring was practised by only 13.6% of participants; 35.0% reported giving no attention to posture.
Conclusion: This survey identifies a high prevalence of non-supportive postural habits, low physical activity levels, and limited spinal health awareness among Georgian students. These findings support the development and implementation of targeted school- and university-based preventive programmes addressing posture education and early scoliosis screening.
Keywords: scoliosis; posture; students; physical activity; spinal health; health awareness; cross-sectional survey; Georgia
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Copyright (c) 2026 Rusudan Vadatchkoria, Ms. Hiya Kakati, Mr. Thej Krishna
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