Does the weight of the schoolbag influence the occurrence of low back pain in schoolchildren?

Abstract

Background: There is a global controversy on the role of schoolbag weight in the occurrence of Low Back Pain (LBP) in schoolchildren.
Objectives: To determine whether age and gender influence the relationship between LBP and School bag weight among schoolchildren in Douala, Cameroon.
Methods: We conducted a post hoc analysis of a cross-sectional study. Schoolchildren surveyed completed a self-administered questionnaire with the assistance of trained interviewers. We recorded sociodemographics, usual physical activity, and clinical data. Schoolbags were weighted on the day of the survey. Informed consent was obtained from the parents.
Results: Of the 1075 children (532 girls), 132 (12.3%) had LBP monthly. The median age was 11 years [range, 8–14 years]. There was no relationship between LBP and the weight of the schoolbag, regardless of gender, BMI, duration of pain, type of school, distance and way of transportation from home to school, and age. However, there was a trend toward an association between schoolbag weight in schoolchildren aged 8 to 10 years old carrying a schoolbag weighing > 15% of their body weight (p = 0.05). When looking at gender, a significant association was found only in girls aged 8 to 10 with a schoolbag weight > 15% of their body weight (p = 0.036).
Conclusion: Schoolbag weight was associated with the development of low back pain only in girls aged 8 to 10 years old carrying a schoolbag weighing more than 15% of their body weight.