Postpartum Women’s Perceptions of Risk of Musculoskeletal Injuries in the Canadian Armed Forces: A Qualitative Research Study

Abstract

Musculoskeletal injuries (MSKi) are a major concern within military forces, significantly reducing productivity and military readiness. Within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), MSKi are the most common cause of delayed deployment of members. There is a lack of research specifically focused on the experiences of postpartum CAF members and their perceived risk of MSKi. Drawing on Giles et al.’s equity-centered 4 E’s injury prevention framework (education, engineering, enforcement, and equity), we highlight that individuals who experience pregnancy may perceive themselves to be at heightened risk of injury due to sex and gender-based inequities in their workplace. This qualitative research draws on data from focus groups with 32 individuals who experienced pregnancy while serving in the CAF. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we identified the following findings related to perceived increased risk of MSKi: (a) nature of relevant physiological and anatomical changes in pregnancy, (b) unreasonable pressures to return to work at peak physical readiness, and (c) perceived challenges associated with accessing resources and services to support physical recovery. There are opportunities to improve access to injury prevention resources and support for pregnant and postpartum CAF members to reduce rates of MSKi. Findings from this study may be additionally relevant to armed forces more broadly or other professions that require return to physical readiness.