Schoolbag weight and its relationship to the occurrence of pain among schoolchildren in the western region of Libya

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between the schoolbag weight, and factors related to schoolbag carriage and occurrence of pain among primary school children in western part of Libya. 2371 students (1212 male and 1159 female) in grades 1 - 4 (6-9 years) were selected. Weight, tall and schoolbag weight were measured and questionnaire was used to collection the data. During the interviewing period children were classified as having pain or non. ANOVA, T-test and Logistic regression were used for analysis the data. Among participants, (96.25%) of students were used two-strap backpack with general mean weight was 3.85 kg. (91.40%) of students carried more than 10% of their body weight. Of 2371 children, neck 1137 (47.90%), Shoulder 1481 (62.60%), back 1179 (49.70%) were classified as having pain while, neck 1234 (52.10%), Shoulder 890 (37.40%), back 1192 (50.30%) were classified as having no pain respectively. The bag weight was significantly associated with occurrence of pain in primary school children.