Prevalence & correlates of chronic perinatal pain - a study from India

• Published in: Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology 2019-04, Vol.40 (2), p.91-96
• Main Authors: Desai, Geetha, Sunil Kumar, G., Manoj, L., Gokul, G. R., Beena, K. V., Thennarasu, K., Jaisoorya, T. S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chronic pain; correlates; India; perinatal; prevalence
• ISSN: 0167-482X; 1743-8942
• DOI: 10.1080/0167482X.2017.1405258

Objectives: To study the prevalence of chronic perinatal pain among mothers who had infants between the ages of 13-25 months in the State of Kerala, India and to report its correlates in the socio-demographic, obstetric and psychological domains. Methods: A total of 9305 mothers selected by cluster random sampling were assessed cross-sectionally for chronic perinatal pain using a questionnaire by Junior Public Health Nurses (JPHNs). In addition, information regarding socio-demographic profile, obstetric history, infant details and perinatal depression were collected. Results: Of the 8302 (89.3%) valid responses, 552 (6.6%) mothers reported chronic perinatal pain. Among those with pain, 142 (25.6%) reported pain during pregnancy, 314 (56.7%) during postpartum and 96 (17.7%) during both periods. The commonest sites of pain reported were back 280 (51%) and pelvic region 110 (19%). Mothers with chronic perinatal pain were more likely to be younger, less educated, employed and from an urban background. Chronic perinatal pain was associated with obstetric complications, delivery by instrumental/caesarean section, non-exclusive breast feeding and higher maternal depression scores. Conclusion: Chronic pain is common among mothers in India during the perinatal period and greater attention needs to be given for it to be recognised and treated early.