Incidence of back pain among women of childbearing age and its management during pregnancy
Olusola Ayanniyi, Arinola Olasumbo Sanya, Samuel Olusegun Ogunlade
Abstract
Objective: There is a dearth of studies on the history of back pain (BP) among women of childbearing age in Nigeria. The aims of this study were to investigate the history of incidence of BP among women of childbearing age and how pregnancy-related BP was managed among this population. Materials and Methods: A survey of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in selected medical facilities in Ibadan and Ogbomoso, Nigeria, was conducted over a period of 2 years and 3 months using pre-tested questionnaire. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Of 2187 questionnaires administered, 1919 (87.75%) were fully completed. The incidence of BP was highest during current pregnancy 1008 (52.5%) (odds ratio [OR] = 10.23 [95% confidence intervals (CI) = 8.7167-12.0142]) and least post-delivery 69 (3.6%) (OR = 6.99 [95% CI = 4.22-11.57]). The mean age of those with and without BP was 26.8 ± 5.3 and 27.1 ± 5.4 years, respectively. Cesarean section has no effect on the incidence of BP among the respondents OR = 0.9634 (95% CI = 0.7371-1.2591) with and without BP in the current pregnancy. Prior history of BP was strongly associated with BP during current pregnancy (OR = 23.67 [95% CI = 14.98-37.39]). Analgesics (50.4%) and physical approaches (49.6%) were mainly used to manage BP. Side lying (78.2%) was the most preferred therapeutic position for relieving BP. Standing up and walking around was found useful to relieve BP induced or aggravated by prolonged sitting or maintenance of static posture. Conclusions: BP is most prevalent during current pregnancy and least post-delivery among women of childbearing age. Prior history of BP was strongly associated with future BP. Analgesics and postural modifications were the two major interventions used by the respondents in this study. Side lying position was found useful in relieving BP among the respondents.