OC68 The backpack weights of primary school students and their backpack use status

Objective Inappropriate backpack use may cause several health problems in children such as shoulder, waist, back pain and postural disorders. These problems reduce the quality of life of children and affect their success in their educational lives. The aim of this study was to determine the usage and weight of backpacks carried by primary school children. Method This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in fall semester of 2016–2017 academic year. The sample of the study consisted of 374 students aged between 6–11 years, selected by random sampling method from three different public primary schools in Ankara, the capital city of Turkey. Data was gathered a personal information form and ideal backpack usage checklist based on literature. Descriptive statistics, independent t test and one way ANOVA were used for data analysis. Results 53.9% of the children participating in the study were male, the mean age was 8.33 ± 1.32 years. The mean backpack weight was 4.03 kg and represented 14.4% of their body weight. 96.2% of them carried backpacks with both straps, 54.2% of the backpacks had not full contact with their backs, 42.1% of the backpacks stands below on their back and none of them using a waist belt. As children aged and classes increased, the weight of carrying bag increased (p<0.01). Conclusion The result of this study indicated that the children of primary schools carried backpacks heavier than 10% of their body weights and had inappropriate backpack usage. The results show the necessity of taking measures for appropriate backpack use and informing children, families and teachers.