title: [Prevalence of idiopathic scoliosis and associated variables in schoolchildren of elementary public schools in Cuiabá, state of Mato Grosso, 2002].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To estimate the prevalence of idiopathic scoliosis and its associated factors in schoolchildren of elementary public schools.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross sectional two-phase study, the first of which in classrooms. Those considered Adams positive were invited for the second phase, which consisted of an interview for associated factors and a scoliosis exam. Those with a confirmed test in the second phase were submitted to x-rays for scoliosis and other factors. To estimate the prevalence, curves with > 5 and > 10 Cobb degrees were used as cut off.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the first phase, 382 students were counted as Adams positive; of these 210 came for the second phase, 142 of which with a confirmed test. Using a chi-square test to compare the variables age, sex and color of the lost group (n = 172) to the group that accepted the invitation (n = 210), no statistical significance was observed, allowing statistical inference for the sample studied (n = 3,105). The estimated prevalence of scoliosis in the sample studied was 5.3% for curves > 5 Cobb degrees and 2.2% for curves > 10 Cobb degrees. Thoracic curves were observed in 44.8%, Risser grade 1 in 97.4%, and vertebral rotation degree I in 3.2%. Statistical significance was observed (p < 0.05) for the association of scoliosis with: physical activity, hump, and flexibility of the spine to the right.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The estimated prevalence of scoliosis in our study is comparable to those from other studies. However, its diagnosis and follow-up are important to health promotion and to the prevention of more severe disorders.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso. aesant@terra.com.br
authors.forename: Alcebíades
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: do Espírito Santo
authors.forename: Lenir Vaz
authors.initials: LV
authors.lastname: Guimarães
authors.forename: Marcial Francis
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Galera
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000453:epidemiology*