Prevalence Kyphosis in School Going Children with Heavy Backpack Usage

Author(s):

Shahmeen Akhter, Aqsa Waris, Junaid akhter, Zainab Hassan* and Sidra

Background: Kyphosis is a therapeutic condition in which an excessive outward curve of the spine results in an abnormal rounding of the upper back. The condition is sometimes known as “roundback” or in the case of a severe curve as “hunchback”.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Kyphosis in school going children with heavy backpack usage.

Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 150 students selected through non-probability convenience sampling. Data was collected from four schools in jampur and all the students who used backpacks were included in the study. Duration of study was approximately 6 months. Kyphosis was measured by using authorized flexi curve ruler.

Results: Out of 150, 90(60%) were girls and 60(40%) were boys. The mean age of students was 11.28 yrs. The mean backpack weight was 3.53 kgs. The mean weight of the students was 38.70 kgs. Out of 150 children, 58(38.7%) children were diagnosed with kyphosis and 92(61.3%) children showed normal curve. Significant relationship were found between backpack weight and the prevalence of kyphosis(0.00).

Conclusion: Increased backpack weight can increase the prevalence of kyphosis in elementary school students that can endanger the physical health of the children in growing age. Therefore, parents, teachers and health care workers must give close attention to students the ways for safely carrying the backpack. The student backpack weight should be less than 10% of their body weight.