THE EFFECT OF BACKPACK LOAD ON THE SEVERITY OF NECK PAIN IN STUDENTS FACULTY OF MEDICINE OF WIDYA MANDALA SURABAYA CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY

Eny Setyarini, Nita Kurniawati, Paul L Tahalele, Christian Alexandre William Irawan

Abstract


Background : A heavy backpack also results in a forward shift of the neutral center of mass (CoM) of the body and changes the position of the head and upper and lower cervical vertebrae markedly. The change in cervical alignment caused by a backpack may place a burden on the cervical joints and soft tissues. The comfort of a backpack is a combination of the biomechanical effects on the CoM of the body and the forward-leaning posture. Many studies have reported a correlation between the load of a backpack and backpain. Neck pain is as common as lumbar pain and leads to disability and costly economic effects due to reduced ability to work.

Objective : The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of backpack weight on the severity of neck pain in medical students at FoM WMSCU.

Method : This study is an analytical observational research with a cross-sectional design. The sample size for the study is 72 students from the 2020, 2021, and 2022 batches at FoM WMSCU who use backpacks, selected through Simple Random Sampling. Data is collected through questionnaire responses and weighing the backpacks and respondents' body weight. The research was conducted from August to September 2023. The statistical test used in this study is the Mann- Whitney test.

Result : The majority of respondents use backpacks that are considered heavy, with 51 individuals (70.83%). Most respondents experience mild neck pain, with 29 individuals (40.28%). The Mann-Whitney analysis yielded a p-value of <0.001.

Conclusion : There is an influence of backpack weight on the severity of neck pain in medical students at FoM WMSCU.


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Keywords


Backpack weight; neck pain level; FoM WMSCU students

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.33508/jwmj.v6i4.5758

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