Quality of Life among Patients with Fibromyalgia Referring to the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Clinic of Baqiyatallah Hospital, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) with unknown etiology which is recognized with the main symptoms of widespread pain throughout the body and numerous trigger points. The present study was carried out with the aim to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) of patients with FMS referred to the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Clinic of Baqiyatallah Hospital, Tehran, Iran.

Methods: Patients referring to the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Clinic were asked questions by a specialist physician regarding chronic widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disorder, age, body mass index (BMI), education level, and number of children. The SF-36 questionnaire was used in order to assess their QOL. In addition, the visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess pain. Diagnosis of FMS was performed on the basis of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) diagnostic criteria by the same physician.

Results: This study was carried out on 59 patients referring to Baqiyatallah Hospital. The results of the investigation illustrated that there was a statistically significant relationship between QOL and pain
(P = 0.002), age of the patient (P = 0.010), BMI
(P = 0.040), and morning stiffness (P = 0.001). However, there was no significant relationship between educational level and QOL (P = 0.090). Moreover, given the findings, QOL was affected by FMS in all components, especially the physical components.

Conclusion: According to the findings of the study, the QOL of patients with FM was affected by several factors including widespread pain, BMI, age, and morning stiffness.