Musculoskeletal Pain During Pregnancy Among Veterans: Associations With Health and Health Care Utilization

Introduction

Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is more likely to be diagnosed in veterans compared with the general population; however, MSK pain during pregnancy has not been studied in veterans. This study examined health and health care use differences between pregnant veterans with and without MSK pain (MSK–).

Methods

Veterans who delivered a newborn before June 1, 2021, were identified from an existing cohort (n = 1,181). Survey and Veterans Health Administration (VA) electronic health record data were obtained on participants. Veterans meeting inclusion criteria were identified as those with MSK pain (MSK+) and were compared with MSK– participants. We examined differences between primary outcomes of VA health care engagement (including mental health diagnoses, health care visits, receipt of prescription opioids, and complementary and integrative health use) and secondary outcomes (including postpartum variables) between MSK pain groups. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results

There were 172 veterans (14.6%) who met MSK pain eligibility criteria. In adjusted models, MSK+ veterans were more likely to be diagnosed with major depressive disorder (aOR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.22–2.53) and post-traumatic stress disorder (aOR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.21–2.64) during pregnancy compared with MSK– veterans. The use of VA mental health care (aOR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.09–2.12) and the odds of receiving an opioid prescription during pregnancy (aOR, 2.76; 95% CI, 1.53–5.00) was higher in MSK+ veterans compared with MSK– veterans. Only a small proportion (3.6%) of our entire cohort used complementary and integrative health approaches during pregnancy. MSK+ veterans were more likely to deliver by cesarean section compared with MSK– veterans (36% vs. 26%).

Conclusions

MSK+ veterans were more likely to be diagnosed with mental health conditions and to use VA mental health care during pregnancy compared with MSK– veterans. Because veterans receive their obstetrical care in the community, understanding the unique needs of pregnant MSK+ veterans in comparison with MSK– veterans is important to provide comprehensive care during the perinatal period.