Musculoskeletal Evaluation of Preschool Children Referring to the School Screening Center

Abstract

Background: One of the biggest global challenges of the 21st century is the increasing burden of non-communicable (chronic) diseases. Objectives: Considering the high prevalence of systemic and musculoskeletal diseases and the need for further epidemiological studies to provide health programs, we conducted this research. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 344 primary school children referred to the East Tehran Health Center and examined during a certain period of the autumn of 2019 were enrolled. Demographic information and history of systemic diseases were collected using a questionnaire. Height and weight measurements and feet and spine examinations were performed by the researcher. Results: In summary, 50.3% were girls, and 49.7% were boys. In terms of body mass index (BMI), 10.2% were underweight, 70.3% were normal, 10.8% were overweight, and 8.7% were obese. The highest prevalence of diseases was obesity (8.7%), followed by musculoskeletal diseases (8.1%), which included only the flatfoot. Conclusions: Screening programs are recommended from an early age to prevent diseases. To reduce the rate of musculoskeletal disorders and obesity in children, identifying and following them in the early stages of the disorders is recommended for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.