Drivers, barriers, and response to care of Australian pregnant women seeking chiropractic care for low back and pelvic girdle pain: A qualitative case study

Abstract

Abstract Background Pregnancy-related low back and/or pelvic girdle pain is common, with a prevalence of pelvic girdle pain at 44% in Australian women. Although 20% of Australian pregnant women visit a chiropractor for pelvic girdle pain, little is known about the experience of pregnant women who seek this care.The aim of this study was to explore and describe the lived experiences of Australian pregnant women who seek chiropractic care for their current pregnancy-related low back and/or pelvic girdle pain. Methods A qualitative case study approach with purposive sampling, from 27 chiropractic practices, was used. A constructivist and interpretivist stance provided understanding and meaning to the pregnant women’s lived experiences. Unstructured interviews using an audio-visual recording on an online platform were performed. A thematic analysis, based on a framework of transcribed interviews, memos, survey findings with triangulation and respondent validation was undertaken. Results 16 potential participants expressed interest in participating. After eligibility screening, nine interviews were undertaken. The thematic analysis identified four key themes: care drivers, care barriers, chiropractic treatment, and response to care. Conclusion Four key themes were identified, which support an overarching substantive-level theory that chiropractic care for pregnant woman experiencing low back pain and/or pelvic girdle pain improves pain and function, while reducing pregnancy-related biopsychosocial concerns. Due to the qualitative study design, findings have only “naturalistic” generalisability and general transferability. However, the findings may inform antenatal providers and the chiropractic profession about pregnant women’s experience with chiropractic care as well as directing future research. Ethics Approval: The research was granted ethics approval with Macquarie University Human Research Ethics applications # 52020621817665.