Prevalence of Low Back Pain in Pregnant Females

Main Article Content

Zainab Rashid Cheema
Muhammad Waseem Akhtar
Muhammad Mahmood Alam
Sameen Saeed
Muhammad Burhan
Maira Rizwan

Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) during pregnancy is a common condition that affects a significant number of women, impacting their daily activities and overall quality of life. Various studies have documented the prevalence and severity of LBP among pregnant women, highlighting the need for more focused healthcare strategies.


Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, onset, and severity of LBP in pregnant women, and to evaluate the impact of LBP on their daily activities, with a view to enhancing prenatal care and management approaches.


Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at two hospitals in Lahore, involving 181 pregnant women selected through non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire and the Numeric Pain Index Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, focusing on descriptive statistics to calculate means, standard deviations, and prevalence percentages. Ethical considerations followed the Helsinki Declaration guidelines, with informed consent obtained from all participants.


Results: The prevalence of LBP among the participants was 76.8%. The pain onset was most frequently reported in the second trimester (38.1% of cases). Severity assessments revealed 36.5% of participants experienced moderate pain and 40.3% severe pain. LBP significantly impaired daily functions, with many women reporting difficulties in walking, sitting, and engaging in other routine activities.


Conclusion: LBP is highly prevalent among pregnant women and begins primarily in the second trimester, with a considerable impact on daily activities. This study emphasizes the necessity for routine prenatal assessment and targeted interventions to manage LBP, which could improve pregnancy outcomes and maternal health.

Article Details

How to Cite
Cheema, Z. R., Akhtar, M. W., Alam, M. M., Saeed, S., Burhan, M., & Rizwan, M. (2024). Prevalence of Low Back Pain in Pregnant Females. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research, 4(2), 291–295. https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i2.775
Section
Articles
Author Biographies

Zainab Rashid Cheema, Akhtar Saeed College of Rehabilitation Sciences- Pakistan.

Akhtar Saeed College of Rehabilitation Sciences- Pakistan.

Muhammad Waseem Akhtar, Akhtar Saeed College of Rehabilitation Sciences- Pakistan.

Head of Department, Physical Therapy, Akhtar Saeed College of Rehabilitation Sciences- Pakistan.

Muhammad Mahmood Alam, Akhtar Saeed College of Rehabilitation Sciences- Pakistan.

Principal, Physical Therapy, Akhtar Saeed College of Rehabilitation Sciences- Pakistan.

Sameen Saeed, Akhtar Saeed College of Rehabilitation Sciences- Pakistan.

Lecturer, Physical Therapy, Akhtar Saeed College of Rehabilitation Sciences- Pakistan.

Muhammad Burhan, Akhtar Saeed College of Rehabilitation Sciences- Pakistan.

Demonstrator, Physical Therapy, Akhtar Saeed College of Rehabilitation Sciences- Pakistan.

Maira Rizwan, Akhtar Saeed College of Rehabilitation Sciences- Pakistan.

Physical Therapist, Farooq Hospital, Akhtar Saeed College of Rehabilitation Sciences- Pakistan.

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