Prevalence of flat foot among young adults and its relation with body mass index

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of flat foot (Pes Planus) among young adults and its relation with BMI. Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan and 71 subjects, aged more than 18 and less than 25 years, calculated by Epi-tool formula. Convenient sampling technique was used. Self-made questionnaire was used for data collection. BMI was calculated and arch height was measured through navicular drop test to find relation with both. Data were analyzed through SPSS version 21. Results: The prevalence of flat foot was 15.5%. BMI of 10 out of 71 respondents was less than 18 KG/M2 (underweight), 45 respondents were normal (18 to 25 KG/M2) and 16 were over 25 KG/M2 (over weight). 11 respondents arch was >10mm, which is considered flat foot. 50 respondents’ foot was normal which was 6mm to 10mm and 10 respondents arch was <5mm which considered high arch. Analysis between level of arch and BMI showed the value of 50.127 (p<0.001) suggesting association between BMI and level of arch (flat foot). Conclusion: Prevalence of flat foot (low arch) was 15.5%. Most of the participant’s foot was normal but there is also number of peoples having low arch and high arch. BMI had direct relationship with Flat foot (Low Arch).