- Academic Editor
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Background: Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is common among lactating
mothers. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of MSP and its
association with the positioning of lactating mothers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey study using an
online self-administered questionnaire. Results: 336 women aged 20–50
years participated in this study (58.3% reported vaginal delivery, 74.1% had
one to four children, 61.3% had a bachelor’s degree or higher, and 45.5%
worked). Only 25% of the mothers were given health education regarding MSP.
97.3% of mothers reported pain on at least one part of their body. There were
differences in pain intensity ratings across different locations (with a median
and interquartile range in parentheses): lower backs at 0 (0, 6) and upper backs
at 2 (0, 5), necks at 3 (0, 6), shoulders at 3 (0, 5) and arms at 2 (0, 4), and
hands at 1 (0, 4). MSP prevalence ranges from 58.6% for arm and hand to 72.3%
and 67.6% for lower back and neck, respectively. MSP prevalence is significantly
associated with breastfeeding positions (p