PREVALENCE OF PES PLANUS (FLAT FOOT) AMONG THE INDIGENES OF UGEP IN YAKURR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1007-5098Keywords:
pes planus, flat foot, foot length, prevalence, anthropometry, Ugep, Cross River StateAbstract
Pes planus, also called “flat foot” is a known musculoskeletal condition characterised by a collapsed medial longitudinal arch, resulting in altered gait biomechanics and postural defects. Even though its prevalence has been documented in different populations, limited data exist for indigenous Nigerian communities, particularly in Cross River State. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of pes planus among adult indigenes of Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria, and to examine sex differences in anthropometric foot parameters. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 Ugep indigenes (206 males, 194 females) aged 18–62 years, selected by random sampling. Plantar footprints were obtained using the ink method. Right and left foot lengths and arch indices were measured and analysed using descriptive statistics and independent-samples t-tests. A total of 16 participants (7 males, 9 females) were identified with pes planus, giving an overall prevalence of 4.0%. Statistically significant sex differences were observed for mean age and both foot lengths, whereas no significant differences were found for right or left arch index. The prevalence of pes planus among the Ugep people is low, with females showing a slightly higher prevalence than males. These findings contribute anthropometric baseline data for this population and underscore the utility of low-cost plantar print methods in community-based foot health screening.
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