Association Between Body Mass Index, Visual Acuity, and Scoliosis among Fourth-Grade Primary School Children: A School-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Öz
Objective: Childhood obesity is an important public health problem that may have significant implications not only for metabolic health but also for visual and musculoskeletal health. Early identification of these health problems in school-aged children is important for planning appropriate follow-up and interventions. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI), visual acuity, and scoliosis screening outcomes among primary school children.
Methods: This cross-sectional, school-based health screening study was conducted with 1,017 primary school students attending four schools in the Selçuklu district of Konya Province, Türkiye. BMI was calculated from anthropometric measurements. Visual acuity was assessed using standard vision screening tests, whereas scoliosis was evaluated using the Adams forward bend test. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-square test, the likelihood-ratio chi-square test, and the independent-samples t-test.
Results: The prevalence of low visual acuity significantly increased with higher BMI categories (p < 0.001). Positive scoliosis screening findings were observed in 9.8% of children with obesity, and this proportion was significantly higher than that among normal-weight peers (p < 0.001). Obese children were found to have higher proportions of low visual acuity and positive scoliosis screening findings compared with non-obese students.
Conclusion: Higher BMI categories were associated with less favorable visual acuity and scoliosis screening findings. School-based screening programs may play a critical role in the early detection of obesity-related health problems. Integrating routine anthropometric and musculoskeletal assessments into school health services may support early intervention and prevention strategies.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Etik Beyan
Kaynakça
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Ayrıntılar
Birincil Dil
İngilizce
Konular
Sağlık Kurumları Yönetimi
Bölüm
Araştırma Makalesi
Yazarlar
Sultan Demirbağ
Türkiye
Hatice Koç
Türkiye
Zeynep Efe
0009-0001-0019-4963
Türkiye
Yusuf Emre Eyiol
0009-0002-9918-2686
Türkiye
Yayımlanma Tarihi
29 Ağustos 2026
Gönderilme Tarihi
10 Mart 2026
Kabul Tarihi
2 Haziran 2026
Yayımlandığı Sayı
Yıl 2026 Cilt: 6 Sayı: 2