Academic-related factors and daily lifestyle habits associated with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a case-control study

BACKGROUND: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most prevalent spinal deformity, which may have long-term negative consequences on adolescents. The research on the etiology is of great importance for identifying high-risk population and formulate tailored prevention. This study aimed to evaluate the association between academic-related factors and daily lifestyle habits and AIS. METHODS: In this population-based case-control study, 491 AIS cases and 1,346 healthy controls that frequency-matched by age and sex were recruited in Shenzhen, Southern China. AIS was diagnosed as a Cobb angle ≥ 10° on standing posteroanterior radiographs of the whole spine. The academic-related factors (e.g., reading and writing posture) and daily lifestyle habits (e.g., intake of milk and dairy products) were collected by a self-reported questionnaire. The logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: After adjusting for potential confounding factors, multivariable logistic regression models demonstrated that academic-related factors were associated with AIS. Individuals with poor reading and writing posture were more likely to have AIS (AOR: 2.06, 95%CI: 1.58–2.68). Moreover, there was a significant association between heavy school bags and AIS (AOR: 2.22, 95%CI: 1.50–3.31). Additionally, adolescents who reported daily screen time on weekdays over 2 hours were more likely to develop AIS (P < 0.001). Regarding daily lifestyle habits, individuals without the habit of taking milk and dairy products had a higher risk of developing AIS (AOR: 1.87, 95%CI: 1.29–2.71). CONCLUSIONS: Academic-related factors and daily lifestyle habits were associated with AIS among Chinese adolescents. Schools, families, and related facilities are recommended to take actions on developing effective prevention and management strategies that integrates “Student-Family-School-Education-Health-Sports” for AIS.