Fibromyalgia onset has a high impact on work ability in Australians

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Occupational Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Fibromyalgia (FM) is a disabling condition with significant, yet under-documented, effects on work ability in Australia.
• Existing research lacks data on how FM impacts the Australian workforce.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the impact of fibromyalgia symptoms on the work ability of Australians.
• To investigate the relationship between symptom onset, diagnosis, and employment status in individuals with FM.

Main Methods:

• An anonymous online survey was distributed to members of the Fibromyalgia Support Network of Western Australia.
• Data collected included demographics, symptom onset, diagnosis timing, employment status, and changes in work ability.

Main Results:

• Over 50% of respondents experienced a reduction in work (full-time or part-time) within 5 years of symptom onset, with 44.8% not working at all.
• A significant proportion (15.3% ceasing, 17.4% reducing work) stopped or reduced paid work before formal diagnosis due to FM symptoms.
• 35.1% of participants currently receive financial support due to inability to work, highlighting the economic burden of FM.

Conclusions:

• Fibromyalgia has a substantial negative impact on work ability in Australian individuals, commencing early in the disease course.
• Work disability often occurs before a formal diagnosis, underscoring the need for timely identification.
• Early diagnosis and intervention strategies are essential to mitigate work disability in individuals with fibromyalgia.