BACKPACK WEIGHT AND ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASURES: A CROSS- SECTIONAL STUDY OF FIFTH-GRADE STUDENTS IN TASHKENT CITY

Abstract

Abstract.  This  study  investigated  the  weekly  variations  in  school  backpack 
weight and anthropometric measurements of 40 fifth-grade students (20 boys and 20 
girls) at School No. 312 in the Uchtep District of Tashkent City. The primary objective 
was  to  assess  adherence  to  recommended  backpack  weight  guidelines  (specify 
guidelines used, e.g., percentage of body weight) and to identify correlations between 
backpack weight, anthropometric measurements (height, weight, body mass index), 
and reported musculoskeletal symptoms (e.g., back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain). 
Data  were  collected  using  a  combination  of  direct  backpack  weight  measurements 
taken on  five  consecutive  school  days,  and  anthropometric  measurements obtained 
using  standard  procedures.  Students  also  completed  a  questionnaire  assessing  the 
frequency  and  severity  of  any  musculoskeletal  discomfort  experienced  during  the 
week.  Descriptive  statistics  were  used  to  characterize  the  data,  and  correlations 
between  variables  were  analyzed  using  appropriate  statistical  methods  (specify 
methods).  The  findings,  including  the  prevalence  of  backpacks  exceeding 
recommended  weight  limits  and  the  relationship  between  backpack  weight  and 
reported  musculoskeletal  symptoms,  are  presented  and  discussed  in  the  context  of 
relevant  literature.  The  study  concludes  with  practical  recommendations  for 
preventative  measures  aimed  at  promoting  musculoskeletal  health  and  enhancing 
academic  performance  among  schoolchildren,  including  strategies  for  reducing 
backpack weight, improving backpack design and usage, and implementing school-
based interventions.