ALARMING DATA Preventive check-ups in ZDK schools: Primary school students have the most problems with weight, feet, and spine

(Patria) - The Institute for Health and Food Safety Zenica conducted screening examinations during the last four months of last year with the aim of early detection of vision, hearing, and musculoskeletal system (LMS) disorders, as well as anthropometric measurements in primary schools in the Zenica-Doboj Canton (ZDK) area.

Vision, Hearing, and LMS Check-ups

Examinations of second, sixth, and eighth-grade students were conducted in the premises of primary schools by teams from the School Hygiene Service as part of the Institute's preventive activities.

Vision was checked in 1,918, hearing in 2,020, and the functioning of the musculoskeletal system in 2,207 second-grade students in ZDK schools.

Regarding the percentage of those referred for further diagnostic evaluation, among second-grade students, 7.8 percent were referred due to vision problems, while 5.1 percent of students were already undergoing some medical therapy or intervention (glasses, lenses).

Hearing problems were detected in 2.4 percent, and as many as 35.2 percent of children have certain inconsistencies with their musculoskeletal system.

The alarming data shows that 542 children were referred for further diagnostics due to foot problems, 214 due to spinal issues, and 38 due to chest problems. Already in the second grade, overweight or obesity was recorded in almost 600 students, and underweight in almost 100 students, according to the Institute.

In the sixth grade, the musculoskeletal system (spine, feet, etc.) was examined in 1,410 students, and every third student (33.3 percent) was referred to specialists for further examinations. In this age group as well, more than 520 children were recorded as having obesity or being overweight on one side, or underweight on the other.

Every Third Student Has a Weight Problem

Among eighth-grade students, vision screenings covered 1,836 students, and a problem was detected in 5.4 percent of them, leading to referral for further diagnostic evaluation, while as many as 9 percent had previously received medical interventions (glasses, lenses). Hearing was checked in 2,043 students, and 1.3 percent of them have certain problems. In this population as well, more than 660 students are overweight, obese, or underweight.

All students with deviations from normal values were referred for further diagnostic evaluation in primary healthcare.

In the continuation of the school year, during the second semester, these screenings will continue, along with the initiation of examinations as part of the screening for early detection of musculoskeletal disorders and anthropometric measurements of first-grade students in all secondary schools in the ZDK area.