Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of trunk asymmetry in school-aged children using the Bunnell scoliometer in the screening diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis and to analyze the relationship between the occurrence of menstruation and the values of the angle of trunk rotation (ATR). Material and methods: The study included 44 students (24 girls and 20 boys) from two primary schools. The ATR was measured according to the recommendations of the Committee of Rehabilitation during the Adams Test in three spinal sections (Th1–Th4, Th5–Th12, L1–L5) using the Bunnell scoliometer. The results were statistically analyzed with PQStat software version 1.8.6, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: Trunk asymmetry requiring further diagnostics was found in 18.18% of the children. Girls required additional assessment more frequently than boys (29.17% vs 5%; p = 0.048). No significant differences in ATR values were found between sexes, whereas non-menstruating girls had significantly higher ATR values in the thoracic region (5° vs 0.5°; p = 0.02). Conclusions: Trunk asymmetry suggesting a risk of idiopathic scoliosis occurs in a considerable proportion of school-aged children, especially during the peripubertal period. Sexual maturation influences ATR values, indicating the need for regular screening. The Bunnell scoliometer is an effective tool for early detection of idiopathic scoliosis in school settings.
Purpose: Regular physical activity is central to the management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) including Diabetes and Hypertension, with significant implications for glycemic control, blood pressure regulation and overall quality of life. However, physical activity patterns and factors associated with it in island populations such as South Andaman remain poorly documented. Material and methods: A facility-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 400 adults aged 18 years and above diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension who are currently on treatment. Results: Among the total participants, the majority were females (55.5%) and aged below 60 years (68%). Moderate to high physical activity was reported by 77% of the participants. Among individuals with Diabetes, 25.6% reported low, 43.8% moderate and 30.6% high physical activity. Among those with Hypertension, 25.0% reported low, 42.4% moderate and 32.6% high activity levels. Participants with both Diabetes and Hypertension reported low activity in 19 (17.8%), moderate in 54 (50.5%) and high in 34 (31.8%). Physical activity levels were found to be significantly associated with age (p < 0.001), gender (p = 0.040), socioeconomic class (p < 0.001), type of family (p < 0.001), educational status (p = 0.003), employment status (p < 0.001), body mass index (p < 0.001) and sleep duration (p = 0.041) while religion, caste, marital status and resident status played no significance. Conclusions: Overall, the findings suggest that majority of participants exhibited moderate to high physical activity and it appears to be associated with demographic and lifestyle factors than by the NCD itself
Purpose: This study aimed to explore patients’ experiences of self-management interventions for chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) in Limpopo Province, South Africa, and to examine how cultural beliefs and contextual factors influence the implementation and effectiveness of these interventions. Material and methods: This qualitative study included 60 participants with CNLBP aged ≥ 18 years. Face-to-face focus group interviews (FGDs) of ten groups (six per group) were conducted in June 2025 to December 2025, lasting up to 90 minutes each. FGDs were conducted in the local languages Sepedi, Zulu, and Tsonga. Inductive thematic analysis using Atlas-ti software included transcript familiarisation, coding, and theme development. Results were validated by a research team. Results: All FGDs were completed, with data saturation reached at the eight FGD. The main themes that emerged were elements of treatment, participants' beliefs, social influence and coping mechanisms. Treatment categories included medication and rest, exercises, traditional/home modalities for self-management, education, and physiotherapy consultation. Participants reported hot water bottles, massage, exercise, and education as main SMIs, while some relied on medication and rest. Conclusion: The CNLBP was largely perceived to have structural causes, although some participants linked symptoms to witchcraft. Exercise and education were viewed as key management strategies, supported by self-management practices such as massage and hot water bottles, alongside traditional medicine. Limited finances restricted access to care. Multidisciplinary, culturally responsive and biopsychosocial approaches, including digital self-management interventions, are required in rural LMIC settings.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of a new HMP method, a mind–body exercise protocol, on health-related Quality of Life(QoL) in adults and to explore possible differences by gender and age. A pilot longitudinal study was conducted involving 171 adults (female: 151, male: 20) who completed a 10-week exercise program consisting of one supervised session per week. The protocol integrated self-body awareness, postural control, breathing regulation, muscle activation–relaxation, and multisensory stimulation exercises. Quality of life was assessed before and after the intervention using the Italian version of the SF-36 Health Survey. A two-way ANCOVA was used to evaluate pre-post changes, accounting for the interaction between gender and age categories.Significant improvements were observed across several SF-36 domains following the intervention. Notable gains were observed in physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, and mental health, with medium to large effect sizes in the physical domains. Improvements were independent of gender and age, although an interaction effect between gender and age emerged for physical functioning in the oldest participants.The proposed method appears to be an effective, low-dose HMP, suggesting that it may enhance multiple dimensions of adult QoL. These preliminary findings support the potential role of mind–body practices as accessible health-promotion strategies.
Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the implementation of HPV vaccinations among age cohorts covered by the program at the national, county, and specific healthcare facility levels. Material and methods: The study data were obtained from the website https://ezdrowie.gov.pl/portal/home/badania-i-dane/raport-o-szczepieniach-przeciwko-wirusowi-brodawczaka-ludzkiego-hpv, which presents the current level of vaccinated children, as well as data on vaccinations administered at the Public Independent Center in Radłów. Results: The HPV vaccination coverage rate in Poland is low. Among children eligible for free vaccination, the rate of completed vaccinations ranges between 30% and 40%. Communication with parents, who were provided with information about vaccination options and diseases caused by the HPV virus, had a significant impact on vaccination rates. Conclusion: Discussions with parents about vaccination contribute to an increase in the number of vaccinations administered. These discussions should be continued, and the public should be educated about the benefits of vaccination.
