Table 1 Description of the constructs and the related citations that served as a basis for item generation for the Back-care Behavior Assessment Questionnaire (BABAQ)

Sitting at a table

Spence et al. (1984), Sheldon et al. (1994), Cardon et al. (2000, 2001, 2002, 2007), Heiser et al. (2014) and Santos et al. (2017)

Pick up the crate

Carry the crate

Set the crate down on the table

Pick up a pencil

Move the crate

Book bag use

General & specific back care knowledge

Spence et al. (1984), Sheldon et al. (1994), Cardon et al. (2000, 2001, 2002, 2007), Dolphens et al. (2011), Park et al. (2011), Heiser et al. (2014), Monfort-Pan˜ego et al. (2016) and Santos et al. (2017)

How easy or difficult:

Cardon et al. (2002), Park et al. (2011) and Dolphens et al. (2011)

Daily participation in physical activity

Attaining a natural curve of the spine

Minimal loading of the book bag

Pay attention to ergonomic postures

Sitting is ‘dangerous’ when having a backache

Cardon et al. (2002) and Dolphens et al. (2011)

Swimming is ‘dangerous’ when having a backache

Running is ‘dangerous’ when having a backache

Participation in physical education is ‘dangerous’ when having a backache

Cycling is ‘dangerous’ when having a backache

Lifting heavy objects is ‘dangerous’ when having a backache

Checking weight of book bag

Cardon et al. (2002), Dolphens et al. (2011) and Noll et al. (2013)

Carrying the bag with 2 straps

Elevator use versus taking the stairs

Knee position when putting on shoes

Doing exercises every day

Knee position when lifting

Distance to body when load carrying

No twisting while moving heavy object

Posture in relation to sleeping, sitting in a chair to write, sitting in a chair to talk, using a computer and lifting an object from the ground (BackPEI)