Abstract

THE RATIO OF THE WEIGHT OF SCHOOLBAG TO BODY WEIGHT OF STUDENTS IN AHVAZ CITY

Nasrin saadati, Shabnam Yousefi Shad, Mostafa Albockordi, Yousef Khairi, Zahra Rahimi*

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to determine the average weight of the backpacks that students carry to school and also to determine the ratio of the weight of schoolbag to weight of the student body in the city of Ahvaz. Materials and methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted during October 2010 to June 2011 in Ahvaz city. Samples were selected by a random and two-stage cluster sampling. The weight of schoolbag was measured in three states. Then the data including demograghic characteristics, type of access to the school, the student's weight, the weight of the bag were collected in a separate questionnaire. Results: The average age of the total 500 students chosen for the study was 9 years. In the study, the average weight of girl and boy students was respectively 31.09 ±9.0=61 kg and 31.73±/ 10. 28 kg. The results of the study showed that in all three states, significant differences were observed between boys and girls in the bag's weight (P 0.001). Conclusions: Due to the high percentage of students, who their school bag weight ratio was more than 10 percent of their body weight, measures on the part of the parents, administrators and health caregivers toward weight loss of the schoolbag seems essential.

Keywords: student, schoolbag, body weight.