Experiences of Patients Living With Low Back Pain in the Accra Metropolis

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is a phenomenon of global concern and affects the health and quality of life of individuals plagued with it. Despite its devastating effects, limited literature exists on low back pain in the Ghanaian context. This study aimed to explore the experiences of patients living with low back pain in the Accra Metropolis. The Biopsychosocial model of pain by Engel (1977) was applied as the main conceptual framework for the research, and the study employed a qualitative exploratory, descriptive design, and purposively selected 13 participants from the outpatient department of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital. One-to-one interview was conducted with a semi-structured interview guide and audiotaped. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed concurrently using thematic content analysis. Seven (7) primary themes emerged. Findings showed that participants LBP originated from physical trauma and spiritual factors. Again, it was revealed from the study that participants had experienced their pain for several years. Furthermore, the quality of pain varied among participants, and they used various pain descriptors to describe their pain. The pain intensity also varied, and the pain was expressed verbally and non-verbally. Additionally, participant’s pain was aggravated by physical activities, and they physically had difficulties in maintaining their daily routines. The adverse psychological and social effects of LBP, such as depression and isolation, were identified. Participants used Non-pharmacological and pharmacological method such as prayer and medications to cope with the pain. It was concluded that a multidimensional approach for pain management and adequate pain assessment is needed to manage LBP.