Shoulder stiffness, back pain, and wrist pain: Are older primiparas more vulnerable?. (17th April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Iwata, Hiroko; Mori, Emi; Maehara, Kunie; Sakajo, Akiko; Aoki, Kyoko; Tamakoshi, Koji
• Is Part Of: International journal of nursing practice. Volume 24(2018)Supplement 1
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-04-17
• Subjects: back pain -- older primiparas -- postpartum mothers -- shoulder stiffness -- wrist pain; Nursing -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Practice -- Periodicals; 610.73092
• DOI: 10.1111/ijn.12654
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1322-7114

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: To describe changes in prevalence of shoulder stiffness, back pain, and wrist pain during the first 6 months postpartum, and to examine the association of these symptoms with maternal age and parity. Methods: Participants were recruited from 13 Japanese hospitals between 2012 and 2013. A total of 2709 (response rate 71.9%) women provided longitudinal data, using self‐report questionnaires at 5 time points: during their hospital stay, and at 1, 2, 4, and 6 months postpartum. Shoulder stiffness, back pain, and wrist pain were measured, using checklists with yes‐no responses. The effects of age and parity were assessed in 4 groups of younger (<35 years) and older (≥35 years) mothers: 983 younger primiparas, 481 older primiparas, 649 younger multiparas, and 596 older multiparas. Chi‐square tests and Cochran's Q tests were used to assess effects of group and time. Results: Prevalence of shoulder stiffness, back pain, and wrist pain during the hospital stay significantly increased up to 1 month postpartum for older primiparas, who were also the most vulnerable to back pain and wrist pain at 1 month postpartum. Conclusion: Special attention should be given to older primiparas in assessing and providing nursing care for physical symptoms, especially during the first month postpartum. SUMMARY STATEMENT: What is already known about this topic? Postpartum women experience many physical symptoms such as painful incision sites, uncomfortable hip joints, breast problems, lower extremity edema, urinary incontinence, and constipation. Physical symptoms are reportedly associated with functional limitations and decreased emotional well‐being in postpartum women. Little is known about symptom trajectories over time, or whether maternal age and parity are associated with physical symptoms. What this paper adds? Prevalence of shoulder stiffness, back pain, and wrist pain during hospital‐stay significantly increased up to 1 month postpartum for older primiparas. Older primiparas were the most vulnerable to back pain and wrist pain among all groups of women after 1 month postpartum. The implications of this paper: Special attention should be given to older primiparas in assessing and providing nursing care for physical symptoms, especially during the first month postpartum.