Publication:

Prevalence and severity of genu valgum among school children aged 6-12 years in rural South India

Background Fluorine is the most abundant element in nature, and about 96% of fluoride in the human body is found in bones and teeth. Fluorosis is caused by exposure to a continuous high level of fluoride for a long time leads to dental and skeletal deformities. Study was done to assess the prevalence and severity of genu valgum among the school children in rural Koppal.

Methods The present cross-sectional study was carried out among all the students, in the age group 6-12 years in Koppal taluk from August 2016 to December 2016. Data was compiled, tabulated and analyzed using proportions and chi-square test.

Results The total school children enrolled in study 1722, the mean age group was 9.24. 31.4 % were in the age group of 10-11, Male students constituted about 45.1%. Majority of the students had nuclear family in their house (59.8%). Almost half of the study subjects were in class III socio-economic status (42.7%).The prevalence of genu valgum was 11.2%.

Conclusions The study finding interprets the prevalence of genu valgum is high in the community.