Low Back Pain in the Surinamese Kalinya Indigenous Community of Galibi

Low back pain (LBP) is a significant public health issue globally, with a particularly high burden among Indigenous Peoples, who often face unique challenges in accessing effective healthcare. This study builds on previous research conducted in a rural Kalinya Indigenous community in Suriname by validating and triangulating findings related to the causes, impact, and care-seeking behaviors associated with LBP. Through elite interviews and revisits to previous participants, the study confirms that strenuous manual labor, inherent to the Indigenous way of life, is a primary contributor to LBP. Additionally, stress linked to excessive alcohol consumption is identified as a potential exacerbating factor, although its direct association with LBP is not widely recognized within the community. Furthermore, the study highlights the barriers Indigenous Peoples face in accessing healthcare, including logistical and financial constraints, compounded by the socioeconomic deterioration and COVID-19 pandemic. Communication issues between healthcare providers and Indigenous patients are also evident which hinders effective LBP management. The study underscores the need for culturally safe healthcare environments and emphasizes the importance of culturally tailored health education programs. These findings not only validate previous research but also reveal an increased urgency for implementing interventions to improve the management of LBP among Indigenous Peoples. The study advocates for a more holistic approach that integrates cultural sensitivity into healthcare practices to address the rising burden of LBP in Indigenous Peoples effectively

Culturally sensitive · Elite · Health care · Indigenous · Low back pain · Psychological intervention · Public health · Socioeconomic status · Global Health and Surgery · Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights · Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation