Objective To investigate the detection status of scoliosis and its influencing factors among primary and secondary school students in Jiangqiao Town in Jiading District of Shanghai, thereby providing evidence for the prevention and management of scoliosis in children and adolescents.

Methods A stratified cluster random sampling was conducted in March 2025. Three primary schools and two secondary schools in Jiangqiao Town were randomly selected; within each school, 3‒4 entire classes were randomly chosen. Screening was performed in accordance with the criteria specified in GB/T 16133‒2014 Screening for Abnormal Spinal Curvature in Children and Adolescents, and a self-designed structured questionnaire was administered to conduct face-to-face surveys (Cronbach’s α=0.730).

Results A total of 772 valid questionnaires were collected on-site, representing a 100% response rate. The sample consisted of 413 males (53.50%) and 359 females (46.50%), including 385 primary school students (49.87%) and 387 secondary school students (50.13%). The detection rate of scoliosis in primary and secondary school students was 12.05%. The detection rates were 8.72% for males and 15.88% for females, with the female rate being significantly higher than the male rate (χ²=9.29, P=0.002). For primary and secondary school students, the detection rates were 6.75% and 17.31%, respectively, with the secondary school student rate being significantly higher (χ²=20.31, P<0.001). The results of univariate analysis revealed that students with sufficient sleep and standard sitting postures during reading/writing had a significantly lower scoliosis detection rate compared to those with insufficient sleep and non-standard sitting postures (χ²=5.90, P=0.015 and χ²=5.09, P=0.024). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the detection rate of scoliosis was significantly higher in females than in males (OR=1.846， 95%CI: 1.156‒2.984), and significantly higher in secondary school students than in primary school students (OR=2.722， 95%CI: 1.656‒4.472).

Conclusion The scoliosis detection rate among primary and secondary school students in Jiangqiao Town in Jiading District is relatively high. Females and secondary school students are key populations requiring targeted prevention and control efforts. It is imperative to strengthen health education on scoliosis, promote early screening and diagnosis, and implement timely targeted interventions.