Abstract
Objective: To determine the frequency of back pain in school going children carrying
school bags.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Orthopedics Department, District Head Quarter Hospital, Timergara, Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan from 23rd May 2022 to 23rd November 2022. All children studying in class 6 to 10 in public schools were included in this study. Data was collected by filling modified validated Fairbank questionnaire through face-to-face interview.
Results: Out of 340 children, male and female students were 170 each. Mean age was 12.3±2 years. The mean percentage of school bag to body weight was 12.3±2.1. Majority (94.11%, n=320) students carried the school bag daily. Maximum (85.29%, n=290) number of students carried the same school bags daily while 30(8.82%) students revealed that they carried somewhat heavier bag the other days. Back pain was noted by 135(39.70%) students while 205(60.29%) students reported no back pain. Back pain was mild in 110(81.48%) students and moderate in 25(18.51%). The majority (77.77%, n=105)) of students believed carrying school bags were responsible for their back pain. Female children and children carrying heavier bags were more prone to develop back pain than others(p<0.05).
Conclusion: The frequency of back pain in school going children carrying school bag was high. Female students and students carrying heavier school bags were more prone to hand back pain than others.

Key words: Back pain, Low back pain, school backpack.