Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding-related musculoskeletal disorders (BRMSDs) are prevalent among nursing mothers. Knowledge of suitable breastfeeding positions and their adverse health outcomes is necessary for the prevention of BRMSDs. However, research is lacking that has examined this in the southeast Nigerian population.

Objectives: To assess the knowledge of BRMSDs and suitable breastfeeding positions among pregnant women in the Enugu metropolis.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted on 100 pregnant women (mean age of 27.2 ± 5.0 years) who completed a researcher-structured questionnaire on the knowledge of BRMSDs and general characteristics of the participants. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics of Chi-square at p<0.05.

Results: Slightly over half (55.0%) of the respondents lacked awareness of BRMSDs. Out of the 45% of them who were aware of BRMSDs, the majority gained the knowledge from antenatal and postnatal clinics (62.2%) and identified the upper/lower back (82.2%) and neck (62.2%) as the most affected body parts while breastfeeding for long hours per session was identified as the most common cause of BRMSDs (57.7%). The majority (53.0%) of the respondents have average knowledge of suitable breastfeeding positions. Furthermore, primigravida, a lesser number of previous childbirths, a lesser number of previous children, no previous breastfeeding experience, and non-attendance of antenatal classes in previous pregnancy(ies) were significantly (p<0.05) associated with pregnant women’s knowledge of BRMSDs.

Conclusion: Knowledge of BRMSDs and suitable breastfeeding positions is fair among pregnant women. Maternal education to address these gaps is recommended.