3044.0: Monday, October 22, 2001 - Board 1

Abstract #20320

Parental knowledge of the contents of heavy backpacks carried by their elementary school children

Samuel N Forjuoh, MB, ChB, DrPH1, Bryan L Lane, DO1, John A Schuchmann, and Saundra Mason. (1) Scott & White Memorial Hospital, Dept of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, 1402 West Avenue H, Temple, TX 76504, 254-771-7695, sforjuoh@swmail.sw.org

OBJECTIVE: To assess parental knowledge of the weight and contents of backpacks carried by their elementary school children. METHODS: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in three volunteer elementary schools with children in grades K-6 in central Texas. A letter, with no direct mention of backpack weighing, was sent to each student�s parent for written consent. Weights and heights were measured by trained research assistants using standardized methods. All children whose backpacks weighed 10% or more of their body weight were surveyed further regarding contents of their backpacks and parental knowledge of the weight and contents of their backpacks. RESULTS: Parental consent was obtained from 744 (56.3%) of 1,322 students. Of these, 188 carried a heavy backpack, defined as one weighing 10% or more of their body weight. These backpacks contained a mean of 1.5 (SD=1.3) textbooks, 1.1 (SD=1.6) folders, and 0.9 (SD=0.9) binders. The backpacks also contained reading books (78%), extra clothing (34%), lunch boxes/sacks (14%), electronic devices (6%), personal hygiene items (4%), small band instruments (3%), and make-up bags/kits (3%). Sixty-three (35%) children reported that no parent had ever checked the contents of their backpacks; only 7 (4%) parents had ever weighed their child�s backpack. Children whose parent had never checked the contents of their backpacks significantly carried a heavier weight (mean=11.8 vs 10.2; p=.011) and more textbooks (mean=1.7 vs 1.3; p=.036). CONCLUSIONS: Elementary school children whose parents check the contents of their backpacks carry less weight with fewer textbooks. See dorfam.sw.org

Learning Objectives: Identify the contents of heavy backpacks carried by elementary school children. Assess parental knowledge of the weights and contents of backpacks carried by their elementary school children.

Keywords: Children's Health, Injury Risk

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA