Detection of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) among School children of Udupi Taluk, Karnataka through the school screening program

Introduction

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a spinal deformity that causes the spine to curve sideways in ‘S’ or ‘C’ shape. This study involves screening of school children aged 10 to 16 years.  Your child is being invited to participate in this survey study to detect Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis through school screening program. This study involves Adam’s forward bending test (AFBT) and use of a scoliometer for screening scoliosis. Education and counseling will be given to the children identified with scoliosis to create awareness about scoliosis, its treatment, and its benefits. Also, the referral services will be provided for the treatment through public or private health insurance /applicable schemes for the treatment.

Purpose of the study**:**

The purpose of study is to identify Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis among school children aged 10 to 16 years and to refer the positive cases for further management and to initiate Counselling and education for parents and child. Furthermore, to incorporate research outcome into Rasthriya Bal Swasthya Karyakarama and social insurance.

Procedure

•Initially, Parents will be contacted for obtaining consent for involve their child in the study during the regular meetings conducted by school.

•After obtaining consent from parents and students, School screening will be initiated on the most feasible timing agreed along with school authority by trained personnel in the presence of a female teacher.

• On the day of school screening, Back ground information will be collected (minimum time required 2 minutes). Next, physical examination will be done. visually seen the back of the student and measurement are taken individually through structured tool. Privacy and safety will be ensured throughout the screening (minimum time required 10 minutes) and clinical sign proforma will be collected form student who has positive finding (minimum time required 5minutes). Rescreening for positive finding will be done to avoid the possibility of unnecessary referral.

• If scoliosis is detected, parents will be informed and separate session will be held to educate and create awareness of their child’s condition and inform treatment options. Further, Further, referral services for the treatment through public or private health insurance /schemes for the treatment will be done.