lived experiences of teenage girls with scoliosis and the effect of a peer support group, Curvy Girls

CONTEXT: Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spinal column and affects approximately 1% to 3% adolescents. The relationship between pain idiopathic scoliosis has not been well documented remains unclear in literature. Curvy Girls international peer-run support group that aims reduce scoliosis's emotional impact through education, mutual support, self-empowerment. 
 OBJECTIVES: This study endeavors (1) gain insight into lived experience teenage girls living with (2) understand how peer group, Girls, impacted their lives.
 APPROACH: We interviewed sixteen members scoliosis. interviews were transcribed verbatim, then interpreted using applied philosophical hermeneutics.
 FINDINGS:I. Personal Lens: narratives undiagnosed revealed confusion, solitude, loneliness. labeling (i.e., official diagnosis) led relief some cases or irritation other cases.
 II. Healthcare stories negative healthcare experiences on are uncovered. wanted be included treatment decisions may endorse autonomy independence during adolescence.
 III. Peer provides a safe environment for these adolescent engage. power sharing communicating helps cope feel sense belonging. SIGNIFICANCE: An girls’ allows better understanding can help this journey.