Abstract:
Background: Literature on musculoskeletal pain (MSKP) among Sri Lankan postpartum women
(PPW) is scarce. Factors such as transitional changes from pregnancy to motherhood, accessibility
and health concerns immediately after delivery, including pain and psychological symptoms, are
some reasons that make this population challenging to interview.
Objective: To assess the feasibility of determining musculoskeletal conditions and pain incidence
among PPW
Methods: A feasibility study was conducted in ward settings on 10% of the sample size using a
convenient sampling method before a longitudinal cohort study. Two-month and six-month
interviews will be conducted as part of the feasibility study using a follow-up questionnaire via
telephone interviews. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on the onsite interviews, and
the practical concerns encountered were summarized.
Results: It was feasible to conduct a study by recruiting postpartum mothers in ward settings.
Twenty-two mothers [(28±4.4 years, primiparous 68%, (n=15), caesarean emergency 27.3%
(n=6)] with a mean postpartum period of 8.45 days were recruited. However, the following
concerns were noted: baby care activities, attention required for babies with special concerns, and
attending medical procedures challenged the interviewing process of mothers. The impact of pain
related to delivery and inadequate sleep are some of the practical concerns encountered in
mothers’ responses. In addition to feasibility results, the prevalence of pain was assessed. During
their pregnancy, 91% (n=20) of mothers had recurrent MSKP with a pain rating of 6.5±2.16,
starting in the third trimester (54.5%, n=12). During postpartum, 18% (n=4) had pain in the
shoulder region associated with breastfeeding. Two-month and six-month interviews will be
conducted as part of the feasibility study.
Conclusions: It is feasible to conduct a study on postpartum mothers in ward settings. The main
study should consider only specific questions to address the practical concerns. Musculoskeletal
pain is prevalent in postpartum women during pregnancy, and shoulder pain is common during
childcare activities in the postpartum period.
