Demographic characteristics, clinical findings and functional status in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome

To explore the demographic features, clinical findings and functional status in patients presenting with fibromyalgia syndrome.

The cross-sectional study was conducted between May 1 and August 1, 2017, and comprised fibromyalgia syndrome patients who were followed up at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Polyclinic of Bingöl State Hospital, Bingöl, Turkey. Data collection was done using a predesigned questionnaire. It consisted of two parts. In the first part, patients were asked questions including their socio-demographic characteristics. In the second part, visual analogue scale and fibromyalgia impact questionnaire were applied for evaluating pain intensity and function.

Of the 136 patients, 101(74.3%) had no sleeping pattern and 88(64.7%) were restricted in activities of daily living. Pain complaints were lasting for a mean period of 5.0±5.1 years and the diagnosis version was 3.8±3.2 years. The mean score of the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire was 53.3±15.3 and 125(91.9%) patients had a mild level. The mean score of visual analogue scale was 5.1±3.0 and 50(36.8%) patients had severe pain. Fibromyalgia impact questionnaire score of illiterate individuals was significantly higher than others (p<0.05), and the score of low-income individuals was higher than the others (p<0.05). Individuals with high income had the lowest score (p<0.05).

Patients with fibromyalgia had a better course of illness when their education and socio-economic status were in good condition, and the complications of pain and illness were further reduced.