A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Effects of Schoolbag Weight and Musculoskeletal Health Problems in Primary School Students of Kolhapur

Authors

  • Rachhanaa S Pawaskar D Y Patil Medical College, Kolhapur
  • Snehdeep S Patil D Y Patil Medical College, Kolhapur
  • Ruchika Patel D Y Patil Medical College, Kolhapur
  • Puneet Kaur Dhaliwal D Y Patil Medical College, Kolhapur
  • Anjali V Wagh D Y Patil Medical College, Kolhapur

Keywords:

School children, Primary School, Body weight, Schoolbag weight, musculoskeletal health

Abstract

Introduction: Musculoskeletal pain in school children is becoming new topic of health concern. Government recommendation of safe load limit of schoolbag is 10% of body weight. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal health problems in primary school students of Kolhapur.

Methodology: This school based cross sectional study included 886 primary students (age 6-10 years). Institutional Ethical Com- mittee Consent, consent from School Authorities and parents was taken before conducting the study. Author-assisted questionnaire and a digital weighing scale were used as tools of assessment. Analysis was done using SPSS software and results were consid- ered significant when p < 0.05.

Results: Of the 886 primary school students, 82.7% (n=826) carried schoolbags >10% body weight. 64% (n= 567) complained of mus- culoskeletal discomfort related to carrying their schoolbag.

Conclusions: Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in students from English medium schools and Marathi medium schools was 77.4% & 36.9% respectively; prevalence of musculoskeletal symp- toms is higher in CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Educa- tion)pattern schools (73%)than in SSC (Secondary School Certifi- cate) pattern schools (55%). The study provides practically feasible solutions to tackle the mus- culoskeletal health problems in primary school students and em- phasizes on securing ‘the health’ in a healthy childhood.

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Published

2018-12-31

How to Cite

1.
Pawaskar RS, Patil SS, Patel R, Dhaliwal PK, Wagh AV. A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Effects of Schoolbag Weight and Musculoskeletal Health Problems in Primary School Students of Kolhapur. Natl J Community Med [Internet]. 2018 Dec. 31 [cited 2024 Dec. 22];9(12):879-83. Available from: https://njcmindia.com/index.php/file/article/view/837

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 12 (2018)

Section

Original Research Articles

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