dc.description.abstract |
Low Back Pain (LBP) is a problem of public health importance in developed countries
as well as developing ones including Kenya. It is sub-categorized into neurogenic and
somatic pain. Low back pain causes suffering, discomfort, and disability whose levels
remain unknown. The main objective of this study was to determine the levels of pain
and disability and their association with selected socio-demographic characteristics in
patients with neurogenic and somatic LBP at Mbagathi Sub-county Hospital. This was a
cross-sectional study design where 176 patients of 18 years and above were sampled
using systematic random sampling. A Semi-structured questionnaire, adapted Oswestry
Disability Index (ODI) and Self- complete Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms
and Signs (S-LANSS) were administered by research assistants to study subjects. The
questionnaire captured information on selected socio-demographic characteristics and
adapted S-LANSS information on pain intensity and type/category while the adapted
ODI was used to measure levels of disability. Ethical considerations in regard to
approval of the study, privacy of participants, confidentiality of information and
voluntary participation by participants was observed. Majority (72.7%) suffered from
somatic LBP compared to 27.3% that had neurogenic LBP. Out of 176 participants,
females were more (63.1%) than males (36.9%). The mean age was 41.1(12.6) SD,
median age in years was 40 and IQR 32-48. On Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), 55.7 %(
n=98) reported moderate pain and severe pain was 44.3 % (n=78). On ODI, 60.8% had
minimal disability, 33.5% moderate disability and 5.7% had severe disability. Chi square test of association showed no relationship between levels of pain and disability
and selected socio-demographics (P>0.05). Multivariate logistic regression showed
significant association between severe pain and moderate and severe disability (P<0.001,
OR=7.2, 95% CI, 2.6-20.2). Neurogenic pain was also significantly associated with
severe and moderate disability (P=0.006, OR=14.1, 95% CI, 2.2-92.5). From the study it
was found that patients with neurogenic LBP had a higher risk of severe and moderate
disability compared to somatic LBP. Therefore special attention is required in LBP
diagnosis to identify this sub-category to be able to effectively address the severe and
moderate disability. |
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