Association between spinal curvature abnormalities and classroom environment among primary and secondary school students in Henan Province
10.16835/j.cnki.1000-9817.2026184
- VernacularTitle:河南省中小学生脊柱弯曲异常与教室环境的关联
- Author:
XU Fengming, WANG Liru, LI Fengjuan, WANG Xu, WANG Yanxin, NIU Yuanna, LIU Jingjing
1
Author Information
1. Department of School and Child-Adolescent Health Research，Institute of Public Health, Henan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou 450016, Henan Province, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Spinal curvatures;
Environment;
Regression analysis;
Students
- From:
Chinese Journal of School Health
2026;47(6):873-877
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of spinal curvature abnormalities among primary and secondary school students in Henan Province, and to explore their association with classroom environment, so as to provide scientific evidence for targeted prevention and control strategies.
Methods:From September to October 2025, 751 schools from 158 counties/districts in Henan Province were chosen by using a stratified random cluster sampling technique. A total of 4 019 classrooms were monitored and physical examinations for 202 293 students were conducted. By matching classroom environment monitoring data with student physical examination information, Chi square test and Chi square test for trend were used for between group comparisons, and a multilevel Logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between classroom environment and spinal curvature abnormalities among primary and secondary school students.
Results:The detection rate of spinal curvature abnormalities among primary and secondary school students in Henan Province was 2.48% in 2025. The rate was higher in girls ( 2.65 %) compared to boys (2.32%), higher in urban students (3.23%) compared to rural students (2.01%), and higher in wasted students (3.89%) compared to non wasted students (2.39%); all differences were statistically significant ( χ 2=22.92, 298.34 , 100.84, all P <0.05). Age and school stage were associated with an increasing trend in the detection rate of spinal curvature abnormalities ( χ 2 trend = 1 494.46 , 1 430.79, both P <0.05). After controlling for confounding variables like residence area, sex, and age, multilevel Logistic regression analysis revealed that non compliance with desk-chair fit standards ( OR=1.47, 95%CI = 1.22-1.78), blackboard reflectance ( OR=1.18, 95%CI =1.06-1.33), and blackboard size ( OR =1.37, 95% CI =1.21-1.55) increased the risk of spinal curvature abnormalities among primary and secondary school students (all P <0.01).
Conclusions:There are population based differences in spinal curvature abnormalities among primary and secondary school students in Henan Province. The occurrence is strongly correlated with elements of the teaching environment. It is necessary to put in place comprehensive preventative and control strategies that focus on pertinent environmental elements.
