Abstract
BACKGROUND: The diversity of bags and backpacks available in the market, coupled with the disregard for the negative physiological consequences or musculoskeletal disorders resulting from improper carrying, effects on the students' physical condition. If this continues, it can lead to morphological changes in skeletal structure in later ages. Therefore, this study conducted to investigate the relationship between BCM and associated musculoskeletal problems among students and guide for ergonomics design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This analytical descriptive study conducted among students in Ardabil over a 1-year period (2023). In the study, using cluster-sampling method, 723 male and female students were selected and included. The data collected from this study gathered using the localized Nordic questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software version 22. Part of expert panel-based content analysis is done. RESULT: The average age, height, and weight of the participants were 31.5 ± 1.10 years, 34.7 ± 7.134 centimeters, and 87.6 ± 70.33 kilograms, respectively. The frequency of carrying bags and backpacks methods in types A, B, C, and D was 176, 258, 69, and 202 people, respectively. Furthermore, the prevalence percentage of musculoskeletal pain in boys reported to be the highest and lowest in the shoulder and elbow regions, respectively. Among the participating girls in the study, the highest and lowest reported amounts of pain related to the shoulder and neck regions, respectively. Furthermore, the results indicate a noteworthy association between "BCM" and "MSDs" (P Value <0.0001), as well as "BMI" and "MSDs" (P Value <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Shoulder pain has been found to be most common, with a notable connection between musculoskeletal issues, body mass index, gender, and educational levels of students. It is recommended that officials and parents prioritize standardizing school bags, providing designated spaces to prevent carrying unnecessary items, and ensuring students receive proper BCM training.