The Influence of Backpacks on Students backs A Cross-Sectional Study of Schools in Tulkarm District

There is an ongoing concern regarding the weight of children’s schoolbags and the negative consequences of such heavy loads on the musculoskeletal pain and developing spine. This study investigated the weight of school bag (ratio) and musculoskeletal symptoms related to school bag carriage on primary and secondary schools in Tulkarm district. The purpose of the present study was to determine the relationship between musculoskeletal pain and/or fatigue and school bag carriage in Tulkarm schools. A cross sectional study, using random sampling method was conducted during spring 2009. 800 students (males and females) grades 3-9 correctly filled out a questionnaire with closed-ended questions. Each student’s weight and full backpack weight were measured. The results revealed that the mean full schoolbag weight was 5.267 kg; the mean percentage of full school bag to body weight was 12.3%. Also, 73% of the students had a loaded bag weight ≥ 10% of body weight, For pain related to carrying schoolbag; 47.8% of students had shoulder pain, 21.6% had lower back pain, and 18.2% had neck pain . However, with regard to the grade, time to arrive to school, ratio of the bag weight to body weight, and right-left swaying, it was showed that they had significant relationships with occurrence of musculoskeletal pain, while residence, transport, and carry method had no significant relationship (P > 0.10) with occurrence of pain. Also; gender, grade, time to arrive to school, ratio of bag weight to body weight, carry method and right-left swaying were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with occurrence of fatigue, while residence and transport had no significant relationships (P > 0.10) with occurrence of fatigue . Carrying a backpack weighing >10% of body weight appeared to be too heavy to maintain posture for students. It is recommended that a school bag should be limited to no more than 5-10% of a student’s body weight and work towards affording e-book for each student should be taken seriously. There is always a need for further research in this area and more in-depth studies to identify risk factors for bodily pains in school children.