PERCENT OF BODY WEIGHT CARRIED BY SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THEIR BAGS IN A NIGERIAN SCHOOL

摘要

Purpose: This study reports percent of bodyweight represented by school bags carried by students in Nigeria. Method: 381 secondary school students were randomly selected in this cross-sectional study. Informed consent and assents were obtained. Weights, heights and backpack weights (BPWT) were measured by blinded researchers. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, Chi square and odds ratio, at 0.05 a-level. Results: The mean age, height weight and BMI of participants were 14.01 +-2.17 years, 1.56+-0.11m, 46.19+-9.65kg, 18.89+-3.12kg/m~2, respectively. Average total weight of bags carried by participants was 4.48 kg, relative BPWT was 10.16%, and 65% carried bags on their back. There was no significant association between BPWT and back pain (X~2 = 0.106. p = 0 744) The relative risks [odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI)] of developing back pain among those that carry normal BPWT compared with those who carry above normal BPWT to school was (OR 0.805; CI 0.478-1.355), (OR 0.733; CI 0.295-1.817) and (OR 0.883; CI 0.454-1.718) for total, junior and senior secondary schools participants, respectively. Conclusion: Percent of body weights represented by the weights of bags carried by students in a Nigerian school fell between the recommended 10-15%. A10% relative weight is recommended for secondary school students in Nigeria.