Background: Carrying an infant is a physically demanding task which usually involves trunk loading, resulting in biomechanical stress on the musculoskeletal tissues. Aim: This cross sectional study investigated the prevalence and correlates of infant carrying-related low back pain (ICRLBP) in nursing mothers. Methods: A convenience sample of 192 Igbo-speaking mothers (18-35 years) with infants ≤ 2 years old completed a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire that included questions related to maternal demographics, postpartum characteristics and history of ICRLBP was employed in the study. Results: Mean maternal age and infant weight were 25.02 ±0.78 and 6.75±1.62 respectively. The findings revealed a high prevalence (82.3%) of ICRLBP among the nursing mothers. Majority (87.3%) of the affected women reported of mild low back pain. Maternal and infant factors were not significantly associated with the prevalence of ICRLBP. However, maternal age of > 35 years (OR = 6.41; 95% CI = 0.70-58.50), nursing an infant weighing > 10 kg (OR = 2.80; 95% CI = 0.50-15.82), previous caesarean birth (OR = 2.40; 95% CI = 0.94-6.12) and civil service (OR = 2.09; 95% CI = 0.81-5.02)were the highest risk factors of infant carrying-related low back pain. Conclusions: Infant carrying-related low back pain is prevalent among nursing mothers. Maternal and infant factors are not predictors of ICRLBP. Maternal education and ergonomic interventions relative to efficient infant carrying methods and suitable infant weights as tools for preventing musculoskeletal discomforts are recommended.
Infant carrying is an integral part of the mothering occupation. Paucity of data exists on its correlates and associated musculoskeletal injuries. In this study, factors and musculoskeletal injuries associated with infant carrying were investigated in 227 nursing mothers, using a structured questionnaire. 77.1% utilised the back infant carrying methods (ICM). Maternal comfort was the major factor influencing participants' (37.4%) choices of ICMs. Infant's age (p = .000) and transportation means (p = .045) were significantly associated with ICMs. Low back pain (82.8%) and upper back pain (74.9%) were the most reported musculoskeletal discomforts associated with ICMs, especially among women who utilised back ICM. Back ICM is predominantly used by nursing mothers. Impact statement Infant carrying has been associated with increased energy cost and biomechanical changes. Currently, there is a paucity of data on infant carrying-related musculoskeletal injuries. In this study, investigating factors and musculoskeletal injuries associated with infant carrying, the results showed that back infant carrying method is predominantly used by nursing mothers. Age of the infant and mothers' means of transportation were determinant factors of infant carrying methods. Among the several reported infant carrying-related musculoskeletal disorders, low back and upper back pain were the most prevalent, especially among women who utilised the back infant carrying method. There is need for women's health specialists to introduce appropriate ergonomic training and interventions on infant carrying tasks in order to improve maternal musculoskeletal health during the childbearing years and beyond. Further experimental studies on the effects of various infant carrying methods on the musculoskeletal system are recommended.
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