Prevalence of low back pain among pregnant women in Ilorin, Nigeria

This study aimed at determining the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and to ascertain its impact on physical dysfunction and work performance among pregnant women. A total of 200 pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics at three health facilities in Ilorin had a 29-item semi-structured questionnaire administered on them. Variables relating to the LBP obtained included frequency, duration and severity of the pain, effect of posture on pain, physical dysfunction experienced during the painful episode, effect on work performance as well as the treatment options sought for the relief of the LBP. There are slightly more (55.4%) pregnant women who experience LBP than those who did not. LBP is most common at both extremes of reproductive age group (p<0.005) and associated with absenteeism (p<0.005) and tended to be posture related and affected work schedules (p<0.005). More pregnant women who suffered LBP sought treatment with the gynaecologists than the physiotherapists. LBP is most common in pregnancy than outside pregnancy. LBP often causes considerable physical dysfunction, poor work performance and absenteeism. Collaboration between obstetricians and physiotherapists need to be further improved upon.   Key words: Low back pain (LBP), pregnant women, questionnaire.