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

Abstract

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 α-level. Results: The mean age, height weight and BMI of participants were 14.01±2.17 years, 1.56±0.11 m, 46.19±9.65 kg, 18.89±3.12 kg/m2, 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 (X2 = 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%. A 10% relative weight is recommended for secondary school students in Nigeria.