[Evaluation of knowledge of fibromyalgia in Tunisia]

Fibromyalgia is a chronic, non inflammatory, pain syndrome, characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and excessive fatigue. Although it is considered like being the second pathology met in ambulatory rheumatology practice, it is again, poorly understood by medical and scientific community.

value the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices of Tunisian physicians, general practitioners concerning fibromyalgia.

It was about a cross-sectional survey using questionnaire, achieved by a representative sample of Tunisian physicians, general practitioners. These last, answered a questionnaire previously used in France, in Portugal and in Russia, valuing their knowledge on fibromyalgia, their attitudes and practice in the face of patients suffering from fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia was recognized as a clinical entity by 26.7% of our physicians. Each general practitioner followed an average of 5.7 patients. The diagnosis of fibromyalgia was made based on widespread pain that persists more than 3 months, sensitive to NSAIDs, for 48% of general practitioners, or on tenderness that occurs in precise, localized areas of the body (trigger points) according to 54% among them. Main symptoms of Fibromyalgia were known with various degrees: pains (87.9%), excessive fatigue (85.7%), muscular weakness (78%), sleeping troubles (65.9%) and psychological disturbance (68.1%). Knowledge of physicians about attitudes and practices in front of cases of fibromyalgia were limited.

Knowledge of this disease is still mysterious and not well know. General practitioner are aware of fibromyalgia which not included in the program during that training in the medical school. In consequence, our institution, our medical schools in Tunisia should teach this disease to our student and during post graduate courses.