Back Pain in Adolescents Using Backpacks

PURPOSE: To examine the effect of carrying a backpack on reported back pain in high school students

METHODS: A self-completed, written survey of students grades 8 – 12 was completed. We employed logistic regression modeling to estimate odds ratios for the independent effects on reported back pain of carrying a backpack, BMI, age, and sex. All statistical hypotheses were tested using (1- a)*100% Wald confidence intervals at a=0.05.

RESULTS: 471 high school students completed the survey. Backpack users were 52% more likely to report back pain (odds ratio (OR), 1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02 to 2.27) controlling for sex, BMI and grade. Female were 65% more likely than males to report back pain (OR, 1.65, 95%CI, 1.11 to 2.44), controlling for backpack use, BMI and grade. Respondents in grades 8 and 9 were 42% more likely than those in grades 10, 11, or 12 to report back pain controlling for backpack use, BMI and sex (OR, 1.42, 95% CI, .96 to 2.11).

CONCLUSION: Our evidence suggests that there exist unique effects on reported back pain among adolescents who carry back packs, who are female and who are younger.