Patients’ experiences of self-management and strategies of dealing with chronic  non-specific low back pain in South Africa: Focus group discussion

Sergant Given Motha; Nirmala Naidoo; Karien Mostert

doi:10.55225/hppa.735

Authors

Sergant Given Motha University of Pretoria, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pretoria, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1642-8568
Nirmala Naidoo University of Cape Town, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Division of Physiotherapy, Cape Town, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3186-7486
Karien Mostert University of Pretoria, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pretoria, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6118-9041

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55225/hppa.735

Keywords:

chronic non-specific low back pain, self-management, patients’ experiences, biopsychosocial approach

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to explore patients’ experiences of self-management interventions for chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) in Limpopo Province, South Africa, and to examine how cultural beliefs and contextual factors influence the implementation and effectiveness of these interventions.

Material and methods: This qualitative study included 60 participants with CNLBP aged ≥ 18 years. Face-to-face focus group interviews (FGDs) of ten groups (six per group) were conducted in June 2025 to December 2025, lasting up to 90 minutes each. FGDs were conducted in the local languages Sepedi, Zulu, and Tsonga. Inductive thematic analysis using Atlas-ti software included transcript familiarisation, coding, and theme development. Results were validated by a research team.

Results: All FGDs were completed, with data saturation reached at the eight FGD. The main themes that emerged were elements of treatment, participants' beliefs, social influence and coping mechanisms. Treatment categories included medication and rest, exercises, traditional/home modalities for self-management, education, and physiotherapy consultation. Participants reported hot water bottles, massage, exercise, and education as main SMIs, while some relied on medication and rest.

Conclusion: The CNLBP was largely perceived to have structural causes, although some participants linked symptoms to witchcraft. Exercise and education were viewed as key management strategies, supported by self-management practices such as massage and hot water bottles, alongside traditional medicine. Limited finances restricted access to care. Multidisciplinary, culturally responsive and biopsychosocial approaches, including digital self-management interventions, are required in rural LMIC settings.

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References

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