Facteurs associes au port de charge céphalique chez des enfants au Bénin: Étude transversale

Abstract

Introduction: Cephalic load carriage among children is a common handling technique in Benin. Few studies have investigated cephalic load carriage among children. Methods: This cross-sectional study aims to assess and to identify factors associated with cephalic load carriage among children in Benin. A total of 300 children aged 13,7 ± 2,6 years were enrolled in the study in the 12 departments of Benin. Non-probability sampling method and accidental sampling method were used to determine the sample size. The load carried by children was the dipendent variable. Age, size, body locations of pain, seniority in load carriage and weekly frequency of cephalic load carriage were the independent variables. Results: The ratio between the load carried and the body weight was estimated at an average of 66%. During and after load carriage, pain was located mainly in the neck, in the back and in the lower back. Correlation analysis between load carriage and size indicated r = 0.58 (p <0.001). Conclusion: This study indicates that cephalic load carriage overloads children spine.