| Abstract: | [Purpose] The aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge of the spine andposture among adolescent female students and to determine if they had access to posturaleducation in or outside school. [Subjects and Methods] This was an epidemiological surveyof a representative sample of 495 female students aged 14 to 18 years attending a regularsecondary school in São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil. Data were collected through a questionnaire.[Results] The results showed that 16.8% of teens did not know what a spine was, 8.3% hadno knowledge of posture, and 61% reported receiving no posture education. Postureawareness was associated only with posture while using a computer, while having posturaleducation class was not associated with any postural behavior. [Conclusion] The resultsshowed that, although most students are familiar with the spine and posture, a sizablegroup is not, and over half had no postural education. These findings suggest thatinclusion of postural education programs in schools should be encouraged in order topromote health and prevent diseases related to the spine.Key words: Posture, Adolescent health, School health |
