An Assessment of Plantar Arch Indexes and Prevalence of Flat Foot (Pesplanus), in Relation to Occupations in Ikwo L.G.A of Ebonyi State, Nigeria

The presence of the arches of the foot, especially the medial longitudinal arch shapes the foot to aid weight absorption and transmission of body weight during stance and dynamic positions. Absence of the medial longitudinal arch results to flat foot and this could be physiological (in children) or acquired. The present study, therefore, assessed the Planter Arch Indexes (PAI) and prevalence of flat foot in relation to occupation in Ikwo L. G. A of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The study was carried out using a total sample size of 241 adult indigenes of Ikwo L. G. A. of Ebonyi state comprised of farmers (68 males and 72 females) and civil servants (male 56, female 45). The data were obtained through direct foot scans using HP photo scanner with scanning software. The data were analyzed using graph pad to obtain the mean, standard deviation, and paired t-test at 0.05 significant level. The result of the study showed among others, the mean values of normal male and female planter arch indexes of civil servants and farmers. The prevalence of flat foot revealed farmers 2.9% and civil servants, 3.3%, while the prevalence of right flat foot was 4.15% and left foot 2.5%. Male and female flat feet were also recorded as 3.7% and 2.5% respectively. The paired t test of the planter arch index and flat foot revealed not statistically significant both in gender and occupation, however, there was a statistical difference in female civil servant and farmers of 0.0022 at p< 0.05 significant levels. Based on the findings, the recommendations were forwarded to the clinicians, (specifically orthopedic surgeons), foot wear industries, students and academics for accessibility of information and further studies. In view of the results, the study concluded that there are no significant statistical differences in the variation of planter arch indexes and flat foot of the male and female civil servants and farmers in Ikwo L.G.A of Ebonyi State, Nigeria