Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence, association and risk factors of genu varum and genu valgum and among school-going children.
Study Design: A Cross sectional study was conducted.
Place and duration of study: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 329 school-going children aged 6–12 years from public and private schools in Abbottabad All Public and Private Universities of Rawalpindi & Islamabad were included in the study.
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 329 school-going children aged 6–12 years from public and private schools in Abbottabad using non-probability convenient sampling. Data were collected of demographic characteristics, lower limb alignment measurement for genu valgum and genu varum, as well as food intake. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 through Spearman correlation, and multivariant ordinal regression.
Results: Prevalence of 3.04% was recorded for lower leg deformities. The categorical variable Spearman correlation analysis revealed a highly significant negative association between age and deformity severity (ρ = −0.233, p<0.01) and a highly significant positive association with BMI (ρ = 0.189, p<0.01), while vegetables showed a weak negative significant association (ρ = −0.122, p<0.01). Ordinal regression indicated that the odds of higher deformity severity increase in BMI (OR = 2.008, 95% CI: 1.288–3.130) reduced odds with increase in age (OR = 0.795, 95% CI: 0.666–0.948). Vegetable showed reduced deformity whereas significantly increased odds was found with soda and unexpectedly with fruits.
Conclusion: Higher BMI significantly increased deformity severity and age showing a negative association (decrease with growth). It was recommended that parents needs to be aware and emphasized on children early screening, weight control, and proper nutrition.
Keywords: Genu varum, Genu valgum, BMI, Cross-sectional Studies
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