WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Ranjana Naorem and Dr. Bhavani B. B.*

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Backpacks are used by most school children across the world to transport books and other material to school. The daily physical stresses associated with carrying backpacks cause significant forward lean of the head and trunk. The combined effects of heavy backpack, duration carrying the backpack, manipulating and handling of backpack, method of carrying, position of the load on the body of students are determinant factors for musculoskeletal complaints associated with backpack carriage. They can affect different parts of the body including upper and lower back, neck, shoulders and extremities such as arms, legs, feet, and hands. Methods: The present aimed to assess the musculoskeletal problems related to heavy back packs among school going children. A Descriptive Survey Design was adopted for the study which was conducted among 100 school children selected by simple random sampling technique. Data collection tool included a demographic variable performa, a performa to assess the weight of the bagpack in relation to body weight and physical examination performa for assessing the musculoskeletal problems. Musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire and numerical pain scale was used to identify the severity of musculoskeletal problems. Result: The findings of the present study showed that all (100%) of the school children had musculoskeletal problems. Majority (60%) of the school children carried bag pack more than 15% of their body weight. Most of the musculoskeletal problems were in shoulder (91%), neck (75%), arms (70%). Almost three fourth of the children had moderate pain. There was a significant correlation between weight of bagpack with body weight and severity of musculoskeletal pain as well as musculoskeletal problem among the school children. Conclusion: The overall findings of the study clearly showed that there was a significant correlation between the weight of the bag pack and the musculoskeletal problems among the school going children.

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