Self efficacy associated with regression from pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain and low back pain following pregnancy

BackgroundSelf-efficacy, one's ability to deal with pain, disability, and other symptoms through self-management techniques, positively affect the quality of life in patients with chronic diseases. Pregnancy-related back pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder pre- and postnatally. Hence, the study aimed to determine whether self-efficacy is associated with the development of back pain during pregnancy.MethodsBetween February 2020 and February 2021, a prospective case-control study was performed. Women with back pain were included. The self efficacy was assessed by the Chinese version of the General Self-efficacy Scale (GSES). Pregnancy-related back pain was measured using a self-reported scale. No regression from pregnancy-related back pain is defined as a recurrent or persistent pain score >= 3 over a week around 6 months postpartum. Women experiencing back pain during pregnancy are classified according to whether having a regression. This problem can be divided into pregnancy-related low back pain (LBP) and posterior girdle pain (PGP). The differences in variables were compared between groups.ResultsA total of 112 subjects have completed the study finally. These patients were followed up with an average of 7.2 months after childbirth ranging from six to 8 months. 31 subjects (27.7%) of the included women did not report regression 6 months postpartum. The mean self efficacy was 25.2 (SD:10.6). Patients with no regression tended to be older (LBP:25.9 +/- 7.2 vs.31.8 +/- 7.9, P = 0.023; PGP: 27.2 +/- 7.9 vs. 35.9 +/- 11.6, P < 0.001*), have a lower self efficacy (LBP:24.2 +/- 6.6 vs.17.7 +/- 7.1, P = 0.007; PGP: 27.6 +/- 6.8 vs. 22.5 +/- 7.0, P = 0.010), and need high daily physical demand in their vocations (LBP:17.4% vs. 60.0%, P = 0.019; PGP: 10.3% vs. 43.8%, P = 0.006) when compared to those with regression. Multivariate logistic analysis shows that risk factors for no regression from pregnancy-related back pain included LBP (OR = 2.36, 95%CI = 1.67-5.52, P < 0.001), pain ratings of the onset of back pain during pregnancy >= 3(OR = 2.23, 95%CI = 1.56-6.24, P = 0.004), low self efficacy (OR = 2.19, 95%CI = 1.47-6.01, P < 0.001), and high daily physical demand in their vocations (OR = 2.01, 95%CI = 1.25-6.87, P = 0.001).ConclusionsLow self efficacy makes the women experience about two-fold risk to experience no regression from pregnancy-related back pain. Evaluation for self efficacy is simple enough to be used to improve perinatal health.

Automated summary

This study aimed to determine if self-efficacy is associated with the development of back pain during pregnancy. Through retrospective survey and self-assessment of participants, it was found that women with low self-efficacy are more likely to experience no regression from pregnancy-related back pain. Therefore, assessing self-efficacy can be used to improve perinatal health.