This study investigated the prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal discomfort and pain in university students and examined its association with the type of backpack, backpack load, time spent carrying loads and the student's body mass index (BMI). A high prevalence (85%) of the university students self-reported musculoskeletal discomfort and pain; and 84% of the participants reported knowledge of the potential consequences of incorrect backpack usage. An emerging trend between musculoskeletal symptoms and time spent carrying backpacks (mean = 2.3 hr for subjects with pain, 3.4 hr for subjects with discomfort, and 4.8 hr for subjects with no symptoms) was also found. Future research should focus on educating university students on proper backpack selection and usage to prevent self-reported musculoskeletal discomfort.
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