Evaluation of the Standards Associated with the Primary School Students’ Backpack in Karun, Iran

Background: Researches show that backpack is the most appropriate means to be carried by the primary students every day. As the weight of these backpacks may be not standard, this study aimed to evaluate the standards associated with the primary school students’ backpack in Karun, Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on primary school students studying in Karun, Iran in 2016. In this study, a randomized multi-stage sampling method was performed by which a total of 400 students were selected. A flat scale used to measure the students’ weight and a sliding scale used to measure the students’ backpack weight. Furthermore, a checklist including the questions regarding standard items of backpack was completed. Collected data through the checklists were analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive statistics. Results: The results of this study showed 35.5% o (N = 142) of the students backpack weight were between 15-10% of their body weight. Regarding other standards, there was a wide and sponge-like strap in 57.5% of the backpacks (N = 230). However, just 9 students (2/2%) had wheeled bags, and 4 students (1%) had strap bags. Conclusions: According the results of this study complying with standard items of backpack for the primary students is strongly recommended.