Abstract:
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Background: Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a commonly reported maternal morbidity that negatively impacts the wellbeing of women during pregnancy and extends long term into the post-partum period. The burden of maternal
morbidity; including pregnancy-related PGP; has been overlooked in Ethiopia to date. This study aimed to determine
the prevalence and identify factors associated with pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy in North West Ethiopia.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women visiting the antenatal care
clinic in Obstetrics ‘outpatient department at the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital in Gondar.
Data were collected by interview method using structured questionnaires, patient medical record reviews, and physical
measurements. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression model analyses were used to identify factors associated
with PGP.
Results: A total of 424 participants with gestational ages ranging from 6 to 39 weeks participated in this study. The age
of the study participants ranged from 18 to 44 years with a mean age of (27 ± 4.6 years). The overall cumulative
prevalence of pelvic girdle pain among pregnant women was 103 (24.3%),95% CI (20.3, 28.8). The major associated
factors with pelvic girdle pain were previous history of pelvic girdle pain (AOR 16.08; 95% CI, 8.47–30.51), previous
history of back pain (AOR 1.66; 95% CI, 1.5–4.24) and having children (AOR 1.42; 95% CI, 1.29–3.76).
Conclusion: One-quarter of pregnant Ethiopian women reported pelvic girdle pain. PGP must be considered as major
pregnancy-related morbidity, and progress in the intervention of PGP is vital to enhance the quality of life in this
population
