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Musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy and its impact on quality of life: A cross-sectional study
Mashael Alshebly1, Laila Alfarhan2, Renad AlAtawi2
1College of Medicine, King Saud University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Objectives:
Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is a common condition during pregnancy, yet its broader functional, psychological, and social impacts remain underexplored, particularly in Middle Eastern populations. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and distribution of MSK pain during pregnancy, evaluate its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and identify associated sociodemographic, obstetric, and lifestyle factors.
Study Design:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 pregnant women attending a tertiary university hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using the validated Short Form-12 (SF-12) Health Survey. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and multivariate logistic regression.
Results:
The mean age of participants was 32.5 ± 5.5 years, and 54.3% were in their third trimester. MSK pain was highly prevalent, with lower back pain being the most commonly reported site (64.3%). The mean overall HRQoL score was 51.9 ± 18.5, with 47.3% of participants classified as having poor quality of life. MSK pain was significantly associated with lower scores in physical functioning, mental health, social functioning, and overall quality of life. Multivariate analysis identified multiparity (AOR = 3.12) and physical inactivity (AOR = 2.34) as independent predictors of MSK pain.
Conclusions:
Musculoskeletal pain-particularly lower back pain-is highly prevalent during pregnancy and is significantly associated with reduced quality of life. Multiparity and physical inactivity are important associated factors. Promoting antenatal physical activity and targeted patient education may help reduce the burden of MSK pain.
