Abstract:
Background: Ethiopian school children often carry school supplies in heavy school bags and
encounter limited
school facilities. This stresses their vulnerable musculoskeletal system and may result in
experiencing
musculoskeletal pain. High prevalence of musculoskeletal pain has been documented, but data on
musculoskeletal
pain among elementary school children in Ethiopia is lacking. To determine the prevalence of
musculoskeletal pain
and associated factors among elementary school children in Gondar, Ethiopia.
Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted among children from six randomly selected elementary
schools
Sample size was determined proportionally across school grades and governmental and private schools
to ensure
variety within the sample. Data collection consisted of physical measurements including height,
weight and
schoolbag weight, and a structured questionnaire on musculoskeletal pain, mode of transport,
walking time and
school facilities. Data were analysed descriptively and through uni- and multivariate logistic
regression model.
Results: In total 723 children participated. The overall prevalence of self-reported
musculoskeletal pain was 62%,
with a significant difference between school types (governmental 68% versus private 51%). Shoulder,
neck and
lower leg/knee were most commonly reported. Walking to and from school for ≥20 min (OR = 2.94, 95%
CI 2.05 to
4.21) and relative school bag weight (OR = 2.57, 95% CI 1.48 to 4.47) were found significantly
associated with self-
report musculoskeletal pain. Children with carrying heavy school supplies and also walking long
duration have a 3.5
(95% CI = 1.80–6.95) times greater chance of reporting pain as compared to those who carry lesser
weighed bags
and reported shorter walking duration at the same time
Conclusions: Prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal pain was high among children attending
public schools
and also those who walked a long way to and from school. Long walking duration and relative school
bag weight
were significantly associated with musculoskeletal pain. These findings can inform policymakers to
provide
transportation services and other facilities at elementary schools. The findings of this study
should be interpreted
with caution due to possible social desirability bias with higher prevalence of self-reported pain
and more so in
children population.
