Clinical Findings in Patients Presenting with Low Back Pain at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Eldoret, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal condition and a leading cause of disability worldwide, contributing to reduced quality of life and economic burden. Despite its high prevalence, there remains variability in its clinical presentation across different populations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Objective: To describe the clinical findings in patients presenting with low back pain at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Eldoret, Kenya. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study at MTRH (September 2024–August 2025) included 218 adults with low back pain who underwent lumbosacral X-ray and MRI. Consecutive sampling was used. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using structured tools and analyzed using STATA version 18 and summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: The mean age of participants was 51.2 years, with a female predominance (60.6%).  Majority were overweight (32.1%) or obese (58.3%). A total of 74.8% of the participants presented with gradual onset pain with 45.4% presenting with symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks. Pain was sharp or aching in nature, with moderate intensity pain being most frequently reported. Aggravating factors included prolonged standing, sitting, and physical activity. Exercise and postural changes provided relief. Sciatic pain affected 31.7% of patients, and over one-third were unable to work due to functional limitation. Conclusion: Low back pain at MTRH affects middle-aged females with high BMI, was chronic and mechanically aggravated. Recommendation: High index of suspicion is required to make accurate clinical diagnosis. Further research on LBP is required as there is paucity of publications in developing countries.