The relationship between demographic information and bag weight with neck disability index, angles and head and neck postures among college students

Introduction: Using backpacks has arisen complaints regarding musculoskeletal pains among students. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between demographic information and bag weight with Neck Disability Index (NDI), angles and head and neck postures among students. Material and Methods: This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted among 80 students who were selected randomly. Demographic information and NDI questionnaires were used for data collection. The head and neck tilt angles and the amount of change in the forward head posture were determined using the photogrammetry method and Kinovea software. Results: A negative and significant correlation was observed between head tilt angle with age (r = -0.27) and neck tilt angle with body mass index (r = -0.37). Also, a positive and significant correlation was observed between the amount of change in the forward head posture and body weight (r = 0.24). The head tilt angle was significantly different in male and female students at different educational levels. NDI (r = 0.23) and neck tilt angle (r = 0.26) also increased significantly with increasing bag weight. Conclusion: Reviewing the standard weight of bag and changing the lifestyle can play an important role in improving the head and neck angles and postures.