Back Pain in School Children Associated with Backpack Use

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine if backpack use in school children is associated with back pain. Back pain questionnaires examined the prevalence of back pain in 108, 8–14 year old schoolchildren in San Diego County area with IRB approved consent forms completed and signed by both parents and students. The completed questionnaires were entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. A chi‐square test for independence was used for the analyses of data using online computer software. Of the 108 students assessed, 88 students wore backpacks and 20 students used roller bags to carry their books and other supplies. Of these 88 students, 54 experienced back pain while 34 students did not. Of the 20 students who used roller bags, 2 experienced back pain while 18 students did not. Thus, wearing a backpack is associated with back pain (P < 0.05). Of the students who carried backpacks and experienced back pain, 80% carried more than 1 textbook on average. Of the students who wore backpacks and did not experience back pain, only 14% carried more than 1 textbook on average. Thus, carrying more than one textbook on average was associated with back pain (P < 0.05) in students who carried backpacks. Students who carry backpacks as opposed to roller bags are more likely to experience back pain. In addition, students who carry backpacks with more than one textbook on average are more likely to experience back pain. It is recommended that students reduce the number of textbooks carried in their backpacks or use roller bags.