Adult Flat Foot and its Associated Factors: A Survey among Road Traffic Officials

Abstract

Introduction: Adult flat foot poses a challenge to health professionals and could lead to major life impediments. There is scant literature on this disorder in local communities and none has considered road traffic officials. Objective: This study sought to determine the prevalence of flat foot among Nigerian road traffic officials and discover its association with their personal characteristics. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to recruit 103 adults (81 males and 22 females) who were between the ages of 21 and 50 years. The plantar arch index was used to diagnose flat foot via the exploration of foot prints. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The prevalence of flat foot was 11.6%, which mostly had a unilateral pattern among the participants. A significant association was observed between sex and flat foot prevalence (p = 0.038), revealing a higher ratio of affected females to males. There was not a similar finding on analysis with the participants’ age (p = 0.594). Furthermore, a significant association existed between increased BMI and flatfoot prevalence (p = 0.001). Conclusion: This study among road traffic officials disclosed a prevalence rate that is comparable to other adult populations. Overweight/ obese and female officials exhibited a greater risk of this disorder, so should be given special attention. Proactive efforts towards its screening, prevention and monitoring are recommended. Keywords: Flat foot; Road traffic officials; Prevalence; Plantar arch index