Postpartum Stress and the Occurrence of Breastfeeding-Related Spine Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Lactating Mothers in the Dschang Health District, Cameroon

Background and objective While postpartum stress (PPS) is a problem generally neglected in the literature, its consequences are devastating for both mothers and their babies. This study aimed to evaluate the role of PPS in the occurrence of spine musculoskeletal disorders among lactating mothers in the Dschang Health District, Cameroon. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study from August 1 to September 29, 2024, involving 422 lactating mothers. Data on PPS were obtained using the Maternal Postpartum Stress Scale (MPSS), and those on the occurrence of breastfeeding-related spine musculoskeletal disorders (BSMSDs) were gathered using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Odds ratios (OR) were calculated, and logistic regression was performed to determine associations. The significance level was set at p<0.05, and the confidence interval (CI) was set at 95%. Stressed women were defined as those with at least a moderate score on the MPSS scale (MPSS score ≥29). Results The prevalence rate of BSMSDs in our cohort was 192 (45.5%) with the low back being the most affected area (n=122, 63.5%). The prevalence rate of stress in women was 241 (57.1%). No association was found between PPS and the occurrence of BSMSDs. However, having a secondary scholar-level education [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.57; 95% CI: 0.38-0.87, p˂0.001) and a breastfeeding (BF) session lasting less than 30 minutes (aOR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.35-0.82; p˂0.001) correlated with a lower incidence of BSMSDs. Conclusions Despite the high prevalence of BSMSDs and PPS in lactating women, there was no association between PPS and the occurrence of BSMSDs. Several studies in developed countries have investigated the involvement of stress in the occurrence of MSDs in postpartum women. However, no study to date has evaluated the impact of PPS on the occurrence of spine MSDs among Cameroonian BF women. Data are scarce concerning PPS and the occurrence of spine MSDs, leading to a gap in knowledge and awareness about implementing measures to prevent both PPS and MSDs.