Knowledge of Good Posture and Postural Habits in Elementary School Children

Kim, Suk; Kim, Jin Sun

Abstract

PURPOSES: The purposes of this study were to identify the level of knowledge of good posture and postural habits among elementary school children and to identify the relationship between knowledge of good posture and postural habits. METHOD: A descriptive correlational study was conducted. The participants were 507 elementary school children in Jangheung County. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, and correlation were used for data analysis.
RESULTS
The percentage of correct answer for the knowledge test was 65.83%. Postural habits were not good. Although the strength of correlation was low, there is a statistically significant positive correlation between knowledge and postural habits. Not only school health nurses but also class teachers and parents played important roles in spinal health education. Educational needs for spinal health are high.
CONCLUSION
Although more research in this area is warranted, there is a pressing need for interventions aimed at developing healthy habits that promote postural hygiene among elementary school children. Development and evaluation of back education programs in elementary school is necessary.