Relationship between Backpack Weight and Prevalence of Lordosis, Kyphosis, Scoliosis and Dropped Shoulders in Elementary Students

Background: Carrying heavy backpacks by school students at growth age can cause irreversible physical harms. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between backpack weight and the incidence of lordosis, kyphosis, scoliosis, and dropped shoulders in elementary school students. Materials and Methods: This descriptiveanalytical study was conducted in 2015 in Abadan, Iran, and 383 elementary school students were selected and enrolled using the cluster sling method. Data was collected through the grid method and a demographic questionnaire. The weights of students’ backpacks were recorded, and it was determined whether they were standard or not. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22, descriptive statistics, and the Chisquare test. Results: Findings showed that 36.9% of public school students’ backpacks and 55.1% of private school students’ backpacks were non-standard with respect to weight. A significant relationship was also found between nonstandard backpack weight and prevalence of dropped shoulders, kyphosis and lordosis (Plt 0.05) among students. Conclusion: Findings showed that nonstandard backpack weight increases the prevalence of dropped shoulders, kyphosis and lordosis in elementary school students that can endanger the physical health of the future society therefore, parents, teachers and health workers must give needed training to students about carrying the bags and backpacks.