Intervention Study for Reducing Schoolbag Weights in Two Rural Schools in Maharashtra

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatric Health
• Ergonomics

Background:

• Heavy schoolbags are a global concern, particularly in India.
• A safe upper limit for schoolbag weight is recommended at 10% of student body weight.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of awareness initiatives on stakeholders regarding schoolbag weight.
• To identify systemic barriers to reducing student schoolbag loads.

Main Methods:

• A two-stage intervention study involving 175 students (8th-9th grade) in two rural schools.
• Interventions included sharing baseline findings, guidelines, and awareness programs for teachers and students.
• Schoolbag weights were measured using a digital luggage scale before interventions and in subsequent weeks.

Main Results:

• Mean schoolbag weight significantly decreased from 3.77 kg at baseline to 3.4 kg and 3.2 kg after interventions.
• The proportion of students carrying heavy bags (>10% body weight) dropped from 51% to 38% and then 29%.
• Despite interventions, 19% of 8th-grade students still carried bags exceeding the 3.4 kg government guideline, with daily subject loads often exceeding 6.

Conclusions:

• Awareness programs alone provided only partial success in reducing schoolbag weights.
• Reducing the daily number of subjects taught is a necessary step for effective schoolbag weight reduction.