Factors Associated with Relative Schoolbag Weight and Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Elementary School Children

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of schoolbags and the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among elementary school children and to identify factors associated with relative schoolbag weight and musculoskeletal symptoms. METHODS: A descriptive correlation study was conducted with 228 elementary school children in grades 4-6. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, chi2-test or Fisher's exact test, logistic regression analysis were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Mean relative schoolbag weight (RSW) was 6.40%. Among participants, 13.2% carried more than 10% of their RSW. Only 49.6% of participants organized the contents in their school backpack correctly. Musculoskeletal symptoms were reported by 42.5% of participants. Results from logistic regression analysis identified grade was a significant factor predicting RSW, and gender, RSW, and using a locker were significant factors predicting musculoskeletal symptoms among schoolchildren. CONCLUSION: Although RSW of school children in this study was within the currently recommended load limit, a considerable proportion of school children were not following guidelines for safe schoolbag use. An effective schoolbag safety campaign for parents, students, and teachers needs to be developed and evaluated to prevent possible musculoskeletal symptoms related to schoolbag use.