A Study of Features of Backpack Carrying Methods by Schoolchildren: A Population-Based Study

Background: Nowadays, backpack is the best and most commonly used tool for carrying books and stationery by students. There are huge evidences which confirmed that carrying method of school backpack influences on the students' health status. The aim of this study was to determine of features of backpack carrying methods by schoolchildren. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 650 primary schoolchildren in Gonabad city (Iran) in 2017. Using both a made researcher's questionnaire and observation, we collected the required data. The gathered data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 22.0). Results: The results showed that 85.87% of student carried their backpacks in the incorrect way. Although 83.13% of the students used both straps of his/her backpacks, there was a backpack between the two scapulae in only 55% of the students. Besides, just 31.3% of their backpacks were attached to back of the respondents. In terms of appropriateness of the size between students and backpacks, only 40.1% of the students used a suitably sized backpack with their own body structure. The results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed that there were significant association between backpack carrying methods of the students and their age, gender, school grade type of school (governmental, non-governmental) (P<0.001). Conclusion: Findings of the study showed that most of the students do not carry their backpack by proper method. Therefore, educational and executive interventions are necessary in order to prevent future musculoskeletal disorders in students.