Abstract

Background and Aims: Early detection of scoliosis is important for achieving a favorable outcome in the disease process. This study was performed to assess the awareness of scoliosis among school teachers for timely detection of scoliosis.

Methods: This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. Online questionnaires were distributed among school teachers across Saudi Arabia.

Results: A total of 401 teachers comprising of 78 (19.5%) males and 323 (80.5%) females responded to the questionnaires. Among the responders, 215 (53%) teachers had a good knowledge whereas 186 (46.74%) had poor knowledge of scoliosis. Comparative analysis revealed that in the group of teachers with good knowledge of scoliosis 80 (61.8%) were from the science group as opposed to 135 (49.8%) teachers involved in teaching literature and other subjects (p = 0.018). No gender or regional differences were observed in the awareness of scoliosis. Analysis showed that overall 35 % of respondents answered correctly how to recognize scoliosis, 196 (56%) thought that the body tilts to one side; 18 (8%) suggested that one leg seems shorter than the other whilst 50 (14.2%) were unsure the criteria or diagnosis.

Conclusions: Lack of awareness about scoliosis among a considerable proportion of school teachers prompts a need for promoting scoliosis awareness programs among school teachers for timely detection of scoliosis.

Key words: Scoliosis, Level of Awareness, Schoolteachers, Cross-sectional study, Musculoskeletal