Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40984923›Full record

ArticleCureus2025

The Prevalence and Associated Factors of Pes Planus Among Albanian Secondary School Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Vjollca Shpata, Andromeda Lalaj, Klejda Tani, Ajsel Oseku, Xhensila Prendushi, Albana Shabani

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Article in Cureus, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Vjollca ShpataFaculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Sports University of Tirana, Tirana, ALB.
Andromeda LalajFaculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Sports University of Tirana, Tirana, ALB.
Klejda TaniFaculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Sports University of Tirana, Tirana, ALB.
Ajsel OsekuFaculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Sports University of Tirana, Tirana, ALB.
Xhensila PrendushiFaculty of Medical Technical Sciences, University of Medicine, Tirana, ALB.
Albana ShabaniFaculty of Medical Technical Sciences, University of Medicine, Tirana, ALB.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundPes planus (flat feet) is a common postural condition among children and adolescents, characterised by a collapsed medial longitudinal arch. Its aetiology is multifactorial, and persistence beyond childhood may lead to long-term musculoskeletal complications.

objectiveThis study aimed to determine the prevalence of pes planus among secondary school students in Tirana, Albania, and assess possible associations with gender, age, body mass index (BMI), height, weight, and spinal deformities such as scoliosis.

methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between January and May 2024 in nine public schools in Tirana. A total of 2020 students aged 10-15 years participated. Assessment tools included the Navicular Drop Test, longitudinal ankle angle, Trendelenburg test, Adams test, and measurements with a scoliometer for scoliosis. BMI percentiles were classified according to the World Health Organization growth charts for individuals aged 5-19 years. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20 (Released 2015; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States), with significance set at p < 0.05.

resultsPes planus was identified in 474 students (204 female students and 270 male students), representing 23.46% of the participants. Male students showed a significantly higher prevalence at 26.16% (n = 270) compared to female students, who had a prevalence of 20.65% (n = 204) (χ²(1) = 8.544, DF = 1, φ = 0.065, p = 0.0035). Male students also had greater odds of having pes planus compared to female students (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.01-1.68, p = 0.003). No statistically significant association was found between pes planus and BMI, body height, scoliosis, or participation in physical activity. The prevalence of pes planus was higher in older age groups, reaching a peak at 13 years, with 26.78% (n = 109), and at 14-15 years, with 25.58% (n = 76).

conclusionPes planus is prevalent among Albanian adolescents, particularly in the male population. Early screening during school years is advisable to prevent potential long-term complications. No significant correlations were found between pes planus and weight, height, or the presence of scoliosis.

Indexed as

adolescentsbody mass indexpes planusprevalencescoliosis

Identifiers

PMID40984923
PMCPMC12450481

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