Prevalence, severity and factors associated with low back pain and pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy

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 PGP among pregnant at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy (HueUMP) Hospital, 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 HueMP from May 2021 to May 2022. 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 PGP.
 Results: A total of 204 pregnant women were included in the study. The reported prevalence of pregnancyrelated LBP and PGP were 57.8% and 26.5%, separately. Pain intensity was noticeable with a mean score of 4. The median disability scores according to the Oswestry Disability Index and total Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire were 10 (4 - 18) and 12 (9.3 - 17.3), respectively. In the final model for women with LBP the adjusted odds ratios were for body mass index (> 30) 1.0 (95% CI, 0.2–5.9), for participant’s education (primary, secondary, high school and university) 8.5 (95% CI, 2.4 - 30.6), 6.4 (95% CI, 1.8 - 23.0), 1.7 (95% CI, 0.5 - 5.6) and 1.8 (95% CI, 0.5 - 6.4), respectively. In the final model for women with PGP the adjusted odds ratios were, for participant’s education (primary, secondary, high school and university) 0.5 (95% CI, 0.1 - 2.8), 1.7 (95% CI, 0.4 - 8.2), 5.8 (95% CI, 1.2 - 28.8) and 2.6 (95% CI, 0.5 - 13.3), respectively, for working status and sleep hour per day (p < 0.05).
 Conclusions: Pregnant women at HueUMP Hospital commonly report LBP and PGP. The women experienced low disability despite moderate pain intensity.