SCOLIOSIS RISK AMONG SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN AND THE POSSIBILITY OF THE HEALTH SYSTEM'S RESPONSE

Introduction: Scoliosis is a spinal deformity that affects school-age children and adolescents the most. Excessive body weight, heavy school bags, improper sitting at school desks, and reduced physical activity are significant risk factors for the development of scoliosis in children. To prevent the occurrence of scoliosis of the spinal column, the focus of attention must be on early identification and education about scoliosis. The research aims to determine the presence of risk factors for scoliosis in sixth-grade elementary school students, assess knowledge about scoliosis of the spine, and determine whether the health system can respond. Research Method: From a total of 3.600 sixth-grade elementary school students in the Tuzla canton a cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 students using anthropometric measurements, full and empty school bag measurements, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Data on the health system was collected using a retrospective method. Discussion: Obesity was recorded in 21.14% of the respondents. Based on the results obtained, in 39.43% of the respondents, the ratio of the weight of a full school bag to body weight was equal to or greater than 10%. Almost one-third of the respondents felt pain/discomfort when carrying a school bag, which indicates that only 38.57% of children carry the bag correctly. 42.86% of the respondents have the wrong posture when sitting. Based on the results collected, 52.86% of the respondents do not play sports. The results show insufficient knowledge about scoliosis among both school-age children and parents/guardians. The health system of the Tuzla Canton can respond to the presence of the risk of spinal deformity with the available resources. Conclusion: The results of the study have shown the presence of risk factors for the development of scoliosis, a low level of knowledge about scoliosis, and the unwillingness of the health system to provide treatment and prevention services. Mandatory screening examinations and education of students, parents, and teachers are necessary.