Higher artificial intelligence literacy among patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: Results from a cross-sectional...

Health literacy in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) has been previously investigated; however, digital and artificial intelligence (AI) literacy remain underexplored in this population. This study aimed to evaluate both e-health and AI literacy in individuals with FMS and to explore factors influencing these competencies, with particular emphasis on AI literacy. Given the central role of digital and AI-related competencies, the study primarily focused on outcomes derived from the E-Health Literacy Scale (eHLS), and Artificial Intelligence Literacy Scale (AILS) scale.

This cross-sectional study, conducted between December 2024 and May 2025, included 106 FMS patients and 106 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Participants completed the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (rFIQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), eHLS, and -AILS. Adequate cognitive function was confirmed through clinical interview, absence of cognitive complaints, and the ability to complete questionnaires independently. Between-group comparisons and correlation analyses were performed.

Although eHLS scores were slightly higher in the FMS group, the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.074). AILS scores were significantly greater among FMS patients compared to controls (p<0.001). No correlation was observed between eHLS or AILS and symptom severity. However, both measures demonstrated a shared digital competency profile, as reflected by their strong mutual correlation. However, a strong positive correlation was found between eHLS and AILS (r=0.736, p<0.001).

This is the first study to assess AI literacy in FMS using a validated scale. The observed link between digital and AI literacy highlights their intertwined roles in chronic disease management. These results underscore the need for future interventions focused on enhancing digital competencies among individuals with FMS. Future research should also incorporate broader patient-centered outcomes, including quality of life, treatment adherence, disease burden, and disease severity, to determine the real-world impact of AI literacy on fibromyalgia management.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT07020845, Registration date: December 16, 2024.