An Important but Overlooked Public Health Problem: Pregnancy-Related Low Back Pain

Abstract

Objective: Different prevalence rates and trigger factors associated with pregnancy-related low back pain (PRLBP) have been reported. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to identify the PRLBP frequency in the city of Kahramanmaraş. Secondary aim was to detect the factors associated with PRLBP. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on pregnant women in the city of Kahramanmaraş. Data were obtained between August 2019 and October 2019 using a questionnaire form that was prepared by the researchers considering the literature data. Results: A total of 727 participants were enrolled and the frequency of PRLBP was 59.69% (n=434). The median VAS score of pregnant women with PRLBP was 5 (1-10) and highest score was detected in the third trimester. Higher gestational week (p<0.001), living in an urban area (p<0.001), higher level of education (p=0.001) and presence of low back pain before pregnancy (p<0.001) were found to be associated with PRLBP in this study. No significant association was detected between doing exercise during pregnancy and PRLBP (p=0.069 ). Conclusion: A considerable proportion of pregnant women in Kahramanmaraş city center reported the presence of PRLBP. Future research should focus on developing strategies to prevent PRLBP, an important public health problem.