Relationship between Musculoskeletal Disorder and School Bag Characteristics among Mentally Retarded Students

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most common problems of school aged children which if not prevented and treated can lead to physical and psychosocial disorders. This study aimed at investigating the relationship between musculoskeletal disorder and school Bag features among mentally retarded students. Materials and Methods: The present research is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Thirty three students with mental retardation in Hamadan were selected for this study. Demographic and Nordic musculoskeletal disorders questionnaires were used to collect data. Independent t-test, and Chi-square test were used for analysis. Results: The results showed the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders is 54% in mentally retarded students. The most common site of pain, in 36% of them, is shoulder pain. The significant relationship is between bag weight and mentally retarded students 'gender (P = 0.006) and mothers' education (P = 0.01). There was no significant relationship between bag type and musculoskeletal pain (P = 0.48). Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, it is necessary to develop regular treatment plans and close cooperation of rehabilitation specialists with teachers and families of these students in order to make timely diagnosis and treatment. The need for educational strategies in the field of ergonomics due to the health of mentally retarded students should be considered.

Keywords

• musculoskeletal pain
• student
• intellectual disability