Awareness of Correct Sitting Posture in Young Population-Age Group 14 to 17 Years

Abstract

Background: Students in 14-17 years age group spend most of their time attending college/ school/tuitions/classes, studying, assignment completion, working on computers; hence mostly sitting for long hours in sustained posture or position. Students should be aware of the trap of incorrect sitting posture as they might encounter many health problems, if they continue to acquire an incorrect/poor sitting posture.Objectives: To identify awareness of correct sitting posture in age group 14-17 years, the source of information, if received, and problems experienced due to improper sitting posture. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study comprising of 400 students of 14-17 years age group was conducted in Pune city.Results: About 75% of the participants were aware about correct sitting posture, 81.5% had received information about correct sitting posture from parents, and 82% were aware of ill consequences of improper sitting posture. Conclusion:Knowledge about correct sitting posture among adolescents is present but it is still inadequate. Negative attitude towards the correct sitting posture and not willing to adapt the same in activities of daily living is a serious matter of concern. A bad habitual posture can have detrimental effects on health of students in near future. Therefore, educational campaigns on ergonomics and postures are the call of the hour.