Objectives: To investigate the risk factors for nasal septum deviation and the incidence of septum deviation in first and second grade of elementary school children

Materials and Methods: This study included 3675 children from the first elementary school of the centre of Elazığ. Otolaryngological physical examination were made to all of the children by the same doctor. The students with nasal septum deviations were recorded. Information about the school succes and behaviour condition of the children were inquired from teachers.

Results: Nasal septal deviations were determined in 131 of 2042 (%6.4 ) of first and 169 of 1633 of second class students. (%10.3 ) The differences between the incidence of nasal septal deviation in first and secon class students was statistically significant(p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the children with and without nasal septal deviation according to school succes (p<0.05).

Conclusion: First year of the school period include a big population of childrten. The nose is the most effected organ of the body from the facial trauma and septal deviation can be the results of this condition. We think that to avoid from the risk factors of trauma and to be carefull can be prevent the nasal saptal deviation and more important injuries.©2005, Fırat Üniversitesi, Tıp Fakültesi