The association between the weight of school bags and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among primary school students in Terengganu

Mohamad, Hanis Syafiah (2024) The association between the weight of school bags and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among primary school students in Terengganu. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Introduction: The weight of the school bag is one of the major contributors to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among students. Most students were lifting school bags 2% to 4% higher than the recommended weight, which is at least 10% of their body weight. Additionally, the classroom in Malaysian schools is usually located in a three-storey building with no elevator, leading to students having to carry their bags on their backs. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) among primary school students and its association with the weight of school bags in Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu. Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional survey was conducted at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pasir Tinggi, Terengganu involving 92 students aged seven to twelve, selected through a stratified sampling method. The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) and a set of adopted and modified questionnaires were used in this study. The NIOSH Lifting Equation was used to predict the risk. Result: The result showed that the prevalence of MSDs among students in any body part was 100%. Body parts reported with high MSDs were the right shoulder (78.3%), left shoulder (75%) and neck (72.8%). The age of the students was the only sociodemographic characteristic that had a significant association with MSDs (X² = 18.050, P = 0.003), while the weight of school bags (X² = 11.143, P = 0.002) was found to have a significant association with MSDs. The Spearman correlation shows that the correlation between the level of risk and MSDs was negative and poor, r (90) = -0.250, p < 0.05. Conclusion: The weight of school bags and the prevalence of MSDs were significantly associated. The school management must follow the policy regarding the school bag weight and conduct awareness program among students about the effects of carrying heavy school bag. For further study, need to include measurement instruments such as electromyography devices and evaluate the daily session schedule. Keywords: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), Weight of School Bag, Primary School Students, Cornell Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (CMDQ), NIOSH Lifting Equation

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	30 Apr 2025 00:49
Last Modified:	30 Apr 2025 00:49
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2388

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