Online Journal of Health & Allied Sciences (Apr 2019)

Correlation Between the Intensities of Pregnancy - Related Low Back Pain and Urinary Incontinence in Pregnant and Postpartum Women in Enugu, Nigeria

  • Chukwu Sylvester Caesar,
  • Ojukwu Chidiebele Petronilla,
  • Ezeagu Nkechi Ebere,
  • Okemuo Adaora Justina,
  • Ikele Ikenna Theophilus,
  • Igwe Sylvester Emeka,
  • Onuchukwu Chioma Linda,
  • Ikele Chioma Nneka

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 18, no. 1

Abstract

Read online

Background: Functional pelvic floor muscles have been associated with increased spinopelvic stability. However, studies are limited on the co-existence of pregnancy-related Low Back Pain (LBP) and pelvic floor muscle dysfunctions. Objectives: This study evaluated correlations between the LBP and Urinary Incontinence (UI) among pregnant and postpartum women in Enugu, Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved One hundred and fifty (150) consenting women (103 pregnant and 47 postpartum) attending antenatal and post-natal clinics of three hospitals in Enugu, Nigeria. Information on maternal and obstetric characteristics, LBP and UI symptoms were obtained using a structured questionnaire which consisted three sections, including the International Consultation Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ). Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation with at a significant level of 0.05. Results: Pregnant and postpartum women’s mean age ± standard deviations were 28.89±4.80 years and 29.89±5.69 years respectively. Most pregnant and postpartum women had moderate (40.5%) and mild (39.1%) LBP Intensity respectively. Majority (pregnant – 72,5%; postpartum – 71.4%) of the women in both groups experienced stress UI. LBP and UI were co-existent among the respondents (pregnant 35.9% and postpartum 42.6%). There were no significant correlations between intensities of LBP and degree of UI in both pregnant (p = 0.324) and postpartum (p = 0.464) women. However, intensity of LBP was significantly (p = 0.041) associated with the types of UI reported by the pregnant women only. Conclusion: LBP and UI are co-existent in pregnant and postpartum women. Incorporating pelvic floor muscle training into management of LBP is recommended as well as integration of back muscles’ rehabilitation into the management of pelvic floor muscle dysfunctions.

Keywords