45 degrees

Analysis

Mostly female participated in the survey. The main participating age group was ranging between 19 to 24 year old. Majority of people were undergraduate students, however I reached some postgraduate, college and high school students. Main targeted countries were Lithuania and UK, however I got a glimpse of how aware of scoliosis are people in the USA. Almost all those from the USA knew about scoliosis from a friend or school. Although the questionnaire was targeted to the general public who may not know about scoliosis or know a little, the results were surprising, as 37 people out of a 100 knew about scoliosis and 39 people knew a little, only 21 participants didn’t know about it. This questionnaire provided me with an insight of how people found out about scoliosis and results were varied. Majority of people found out about scoliosis from their friend or family member, 27% answered it was word of mouth and very equally people found out about it through doctor or school. Minority of people heard about it through social media and news, which in my opinion is a problem in society. Scoliosis awareness should be spread through social media and news around the world, as it is a common condition among teenagers. The questionnaire was not targeted to people with scoliosis, however, 13 out of 100 had scoliosis themselves, 10 people had a family member with scoliosis and 27 people had a friend with this condition. This proves that the condition is very common in the world and that people with scoliosis should talk about it and stop hiding it.

This questionnaire helped me understand how informed people are and what they think are the best ways to find scoliosis as soon as possible before it starts progressing. Results were surprising, as 44% people though the best way to check and find early stages of scoliosis is by doing x-ray imaging, which is harmful for the bones and immune system. However, majority of people recognised that nurses in schools and GP’s should do spine check-ups regularly at that age group (10-13y), to find scoliosis early. Concern should be made that people don’t think it would be useful to have arranged educational school trips and check-ups to scoliosis centres.

From the statement evaluation question I was able to find out that people most strongly felt that scoliosis patients shouldn’t be excluded from society and that there should be moral support provided to children and their parents. It was interesting that a lot of people felt that spine surgery is not a risky option of treatment, probably there isn’t a lot of information about surgeries and risks that can occur.

Overall the survey was really helpful in getting an insight of how much knowledge the general public has about this spine deformation and what improvements should be made to make public more aware.