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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Urinary Incontinence | Research article

Prevalence and severity of low back- and pelvic girdle pain in pregnant Nepalese women

Authors: Ranjeeta Shijagurumayum Acharya, Anne Therese Tveter, Margreth Grotle, Malin Eberhard-Gran, Britt Stuge

Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Background

Low back pain (LBP) and pelvic girdle pain (PGP) are commonly reported during pregnancy and are known to affect pregnant women’s well-being. Still, these conditions are often considered to be a normal part of pregnancy. This study assesses the prevalence and severity of LBP and/or PGP among pregnant Nepalese women, as well as exploring factors associated with LBP and PGP.

Methods

A cross-sectional study with successive recruitment of pregnant women was conducted at two district hospitals in Nepal from May 2016 to May 2017. The data was collected using self-reported questionnaires. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess the associations between independent variables and LBP and/or PGP.

Results

A total of 1284 pregnant women were included in the study. The reported prevalence of pregnancy-related LBP and/or PGP was 34%. Pain intensity was high with a mean score (standard deviation) of 6 (2). The median (25th-75th percentiles) disability scores according to the total Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire and Oswestry Disability Index were 20 (10–32) and 30 (21–38), respectively. Even though only 52% of the women believed that the pain would disappear after delivery, concern about LBP and/or PGP was reported to be low (median 2 (0–4) (Numeric Rating Scale 0–10)). In the final model for women with LBP and/or PGP the adjusted odds ratios were for body mass index (20–24, 25–30, > 30) 0.7 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.44–1.21), 1.1 (95% CI, 0.66–1.83), and 1.5 (95% CI, 0.78–2.94) respectively, for pelvic organ prolapse symptoms 6.6 (95% CI, 4.93–8.95) and for women with educated husbands (primary or secondary, higher secondary or above) 1.1 (95% CI, 0.53–2.16) and 1.7 (95% CI, 0.84–3.47), respectively.

Conclusions

Pregnant Nepalese women commonly report LBP and/or PGP. The women experienced low disability despite severe pain intensity and poor beliefs in recovery after delivery.

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Title: Prevalence and severity of low back- and pelvic girdle pain in pregnant Nepalese women
Authors: Ranjeeta Shijagurumayum Acharya
Anne Therese Tveter
Margreth Grotle
Malin Eberhard-Gran
Britt Stuge
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Urinary Incontinence
Urinary Incontinence
Back Pain
Back Pain
Back Pain
Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2393
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-019-2398-0

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Prevalence and severity of low back- and pelvic girdle pain in pregnant Nepalese women

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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