Fibromyalgia Concomitant With Rheumatic Diseases in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex disorder involving pain dysregulation that can occur independently or alongside other rheumatological illnesses, complicating symptom interpretation. Consequently, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of secondary FM in patients with rheumatological diseases and its impact using the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire.

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the Rheumatology Outpatient Department of King Fahad Military Medical Complex, Dhahran, from August 2023 to October 2023. Patients with primary rheumatological diseases other than FM were recruited. Secondary FM was diagnosed based on the 2016 revisions of the 2010/2011 FM diagnostic criteria. Data on the demographics of patients were collected through self-reported questionnaires.

Overall, 158 women (76%) and 50 men (24%) with a mean age of 45.7 (12.8) years participated in the study. Systemic lupus erythematosus was the primary diagnosis for most patients. Fisher's exact test (p=0.007) indicated a significant but weak association between osteoarthritis and FM. A family history of comorbidity was significantly associated with an FM diagnosis (p<0.043). Having a major life event, such as the death of a kin, was significantly associated with FM (p<0.032). A personal history of functional disorders was significantly linked to a diagnosis of concomitant FM.

Concomitant FM is frequently undetected in patients with rheumatic diseases. Raising awareness of FM through educational programs may facilitate earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment.