The role of a nurse in the prevention of postural defects in children

15 Abstract – Introduction. Relatively frequent postural defects are a considerable problem of contemporary children and youth. Parents and nurses in the education and upbringing setting can play a significant role in the early diagnosis of these defects. The aim of the study. The aim of the study was to establish to what degree parents are prepared to educate their children in the field of postural defects prevention. Materials and Methods. A study by means of a diagnostic survey with the use of the survey technique involved 100 parents (81 women and 19 men) of children aged 6 attending zero-grade classes at Primary School in Rawa Mazowiecka. Results and conclusions. By partaking in screening tests which diagnose developmental disorders of motor system as well as by carrying out regular checks of the pupils' health status, nurses in the education and upbringing settings have the opportunity to reduce the prevalence of postural defects in children and youth. Parents declare that they undertake preventive actions but a vast majority of the surveyed persons have insufficient knowledge about the causes of the defects.