ORIGINAL PAPER
Prevalence of scoliosis and spinal deformities in Tirana schoolchildren: a cross-sectional study
1
Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Sports University of Tirana, Albania
2
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Sports University of Tirana, Albania
3
Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Sports University of Tirana, Albania
These authors had equal contribution to this work
Submission date: 2025-09-25
Acceptance date: 2026-02-13
Online publication date: 2026-08-07
Corresponding author
Klejda Tani
Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Sports University of Tirana, Rruga “Muhamed Gjollesha”, Tirana, Albania
Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Sports University of Tirana, Rruga “Muhamed Gjollesha”, Tirana, Albania
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Spinal deformities, particularly scoliosis, represent a significant public health concern among children and adolescents worldwide. Although the prevalence of scoliosis has been well-documented in many regions, a critical knowledge gap exists in Albania. This research aimed to fill this gap by determining the prevalence of spinal deformities in schoolchildren aged 10 to 15 years in Tirana (Albania), and to establish baseline data for future public health strategies.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and May 2024 among 2,020 students from nine public secondary schools in Tirana (Albania). Screening involved the Adams Forward Bend Test (AFBT), scoliometer measurements (≥ 7° threshold), and arcometer assessment for thoracic kyphosis. Data collection was performed anonymously to ensure participant confidentiality.
Results:
The study identified a positive AFBT in 383 (19%) of the students. A scoliometer reading of ≥ 7° was recorded in 3.1% of the total study population, which is comparable with international data. Screen-positive trunk asymmetry was more prevalent in female (4.11%) than male (2.38%) students, and was the highest among the 14-year-old participants (6.87%). An inverse relationship was observed between participation in sports and scoliosis prevalence, with a higher prevalence noted among students not engaged in sports (4.47%) compared to those undertaking physical activity (2.60%). Postural scoliosis was more common than structural scoliosis. Thoracic hyperkyphosis, with a mean curvature of 47.81°, was identified in 14.9% of the students.
Conclusions:
This study provides the first large-scale epidemiological data on scoliosis and other spinal deformities in schoolchildren in Albania. The observed prevalence patterns are consistent with international trends, and the findings underscore the importance of implementing school-based screening programmes to facilitate early detection and timely management of spinal deformities.
Spinal deformities, particularly scoliosis, represent a significant public health concern among children and adolescents worldwide. Although the prevalence of scoliosis has been well-documented in many regions, a critical knowledge gap exists in Albania. This research aimed to fill this gap by determining the prevalence of spinal deformities in schoolchildren aged 10 to 15 years in Tirana (Albania), and to establish baseline data for future public health strategies.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and May 2024 among 2,020 students from nine public secondary schools in Tirana (Albania). Screening involved the Adams Forward Bend Test (AFBT), scoliometer measurements (≥ 7° threshold), and arcometer assessment for thoracic kyphosis. Data collection was performed anonymously to ensure participant confidentiality.
Results:
The study identified a positive AFBT in 383 (19%) of the students. A scoliometer reading of ≥ 7° was recorded in 3.1% of the total study population, which is comparable with international data. Screen-positive trunk asymmetry was more prevalent in female (4.11%) than male (2.38%) students, and was the highest among the 14-year-old participants (6.87%). An inverse relationship was observed between participation in sports and scoliosis prevalence, with a higher prevalence noted among students not engaged in sports (4.47%) compared to those undertaking physical activity (2.60%). Postural scoliosis was more common than structural scoliosis. Thoracic hyperkyphosis, with a mean curvature of 47.81°, was identified in 14.9% of the students.
Conclusions:
This study provides the first large-scale epidemiological data on scoliosis and other spinal deformities in schoolchildren in Albania. The observed prevalence patterns are consistent with international trends, and the findings underscore the importance of implementing school-based screening programmes to facilitate early detection and timely management of spinal deformities.
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