The word "posture" refers to the relative arrangements of body parts. Postural dysfunction, or “poor” posture, is characterized by an improperly positioned spine that emphasizes the curves. As a result, the joints, muscles, and vertebrae get stressed.

Objective: To assess postural dysfunction and to identify risk factors related to postural dysfunctions among females.

Methodology:An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in Gujranwala among 385 females. Females aged between 18 to 49 years were included in this investigation by using non-probability convenient sampling strategy. Subjects who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. REEDCO Posture Assessment Scale was used as a diagnostic tool for assessment of postural dysfunction and a self-structured likert scale was used to determine the risk factors of postural dysfunction among females. At 95% confidence level, data were entered and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 24.0. Chi-square test was used to find the association of postural dysfunction with risk factors.

Results: Out of 424 females of age 18 to 44 years, average age was 33.41±9.31, their body mass index was 24.29±4.74 kg/m² and their REEDCO Posture Assessment Total Score was 54.28±17.64. Among 424 participants, 278(65.57%) had poor posture and 146(34.43%) had good posture. Sedentary lifestyle (p-value<0.001), lack of physical activity (p-value<0.001), muscle weakness(p-value<0.001), joint stiffness(p-value<0.001), stress (p-value=0.007), osteoporosis (p-value<0.001), poor core stability (p-value<0.001), poor footwear (p-value=0.001), motor vehicle accidents (p-value<0.001), incorrect sitting position ( p-value<0.001), competitive sports (p-value<0.001) were considered as statistically significant with p-value<0.05.

Conclusion: The present study indicates that the prevalence of postural dysfunction among females is high. Significant risk factors were sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity, muscle weakness, joint stiffness, stress, osteoporosis, poor core stability, poor footwear, motor vehicle accidents, incorrect sitting position and competitive sports.

Keywords:Posture, Body mass index, Risk factors, Assessment, Muscle weakness