SCHOOL BAG USE AND MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS AMONG SECONDARY STUDENTS IN BENIN CITY, NIGERIA

Musculoskeletal symptoms (MSKs) are increasingly prevalent among adolescents and may impact their health into adulthood. This study aimed to examine the relationship between school bag carriage characteristics, specifically weight, length, daily duration, and carriage style; and the occurrence of MSKs among secondary school students in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 400 students selected from seven secondary schools. Participants completed the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and data on anthropometric measures and school bag attributes were collected. Visual assessments were conducted to detect postural abnormalities, including scoliosis, lordosis, and kyphosis. The lifetime prevalence of MSKs was highest in the low back (50.0%), followed by the neck (40.3%) and shoulders (35.8%). Notable associations were found between specific carriage characteristics and MSKs: for example, shoulder pain was significantly associated with both bag weight and carriage duration, while bag length correlated with neck pain. Scoliosis and lordosis also showed significant associations with bag weight. However, no consistent pattern was observed across all variables, and some associations were statistically insignificant. The findings suggest that improper school bag use, particularly excessive weight and poor carriage style, contributes to MSK development and postural issues among students. Preventive strategies including awareness programs and ergonomic interventions are recommended to safeguard students’ musculoskeletal health.