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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