This study seeks to understand the epidemiological characteristics, including incidence, severity, high-risk age, and gender distribution, of adolescent scoliosis in Southern Shanxi, thus providing data support and a foundation for adolescent health initiatives. In 2024, the Southern Shanxi region, primarily 45 elementary and secondary schools in the municipal district and Luzhou district of Changzhi City, along with pilot classes from one special school, were selected as the target population for this project to conduct a scoliosis monitoring campaign. Using pilot classes as units, entire classes were randomly selected from each grade as survey subjects, totaling 26,824 students. Scoliosis screening and related factor questionnaire surveys were conducted. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 24.0 statistical software. Count data were expressed as numbers and rates, and comparisons were made using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Analysis of the prevalence characteristics of spinal curvature abnormalities: In terms of educational stage trend, the overall prevalence showed an inverted V-shaped distribution: junior high school (peak) > high school > elementary school (P < 0.05). The junior high school group was the peak for all types of scoliosis: Grade I scoliosis: junior high school (4.10%) > high school (3.39%) > elementary school (3.53%) (P < 0.05); Grade II scoliosis: junior high school (0.78%) was significantly higher than other stages (P < 0.05); Grade III scoliosis: increased with age, high school group (0.21%) > junior high school (0.11%) > elementary school (0.03%) (P < 0.05), all differences were statistically significant. In terms of gender differences, there was no overall gender difference (4.53% vs. 4.53%, P=0.981), which was not statistically significant. By educational stage: elementary school (female 3.96% vs. male 3.94%), junior high school (female 5.33% vs. male 4.67%), high school (male 4.41% vs. female 3.85%), the differences were not statistically significant. In terms of severe case evolution, the incidence of Grade III scoliosis showed a significant age-accumulation effect, with the high school group accounting for 50% (15/30 cases) of total severe cases, suggesting that advanced stages require strengthened management of late-stage cases. The detection rate of scoliosis among elementary and secondary school students in the Southern Shanxi region is relatively high, with junior high school students being the key focus group. 

Wen Ji, Liu Hualv, Gao Yuhao, Qin Shilei, Han Pengfei, Xu Yunfeng. Epidemiological Characteristics of Adolescent Scoliosis in Southern Shanxi Region, 2024. Academic Journal of Medicine & Health Sciences (2025), Vol. 6, Issue 9: 71-78. https://doi.org/10.25236/AJMHS.2025.060911.

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