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
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