Prevalence of Flat Foot using Plantar Arch Index among Young Adults of Delta State, Nigeria.

Introduction: Traditionally, feet are classified as high, normal or low arched. Studies on flat foot (pes planus) have been conducted in different ethnic groups in Nigeria but none has been conducted among young Ika adults. This study is therefore aimed at determining the prevalence of flat foot using plantar arch index among young adults of Ika. Methods: A total of 384 subjects comprising 199 females and 185 males aged 18-37 years participated in the study. Foot prints of subjects were obtained using the simple ink and duplicating paper method. The Plantar Arch Index was calculated by dividing the foot prints in three equidistant regions excluding the toes. The index value was the ratio between the area of the mid foot and the total area of the foot print. Descriptive statistics for each variable included mean and standard deviation while statistical tools included independent sample t-tests and paired samples test respectively. Results: After data analyses, the total prevalence of flat foot was 8.6% while a total of 24(6.3%) males had flat foot on their right foot while 16(4.2%) had on their left. However, 14(3.6%) and 12(3.1%) females had flat foot on their right and left foot sides respectively. The prevalence of Pes planus was significantly higher among males (P< 0.05) than their female counterparts on both foot sides. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference between flat and normal foot on both foot sides while the difference between flat foot of the right side and that of the left was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Being the first of its kind in Ika, this study is therefore important to the Orthopaedist and Podiatrist in Nigeria for diagnosis and treatment choices of foot deformities amongst young adults of Ika. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]