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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Dianne G. Adams, MPH and Kim Dupree Jones, PhD, RNC, FNP. School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, 3455 SW US Veterans Hospital Rd, SN-ORD, Portland, OR 97239-2945, 503 4943 864, adamsdi@ohsu.edu

Introduction: A multidisciplinary task force developed the above survey to provide original data from the National Fibromyalgia Association Questionnaire that crosses all five disciplines of public health. Purpose: To determine the impact of fibromyalgia (FM) on physical and functional abilities, general well-being, employment status/productivity, pharmacological/nonpharmacological interventions and health care costs. Methodology: 2,376 persons with self-disclosed FM completed The 122 item on-line survey, in October 2005. Content validity was based on grounded theories of public health. Eight hundred randomly selected completers participated in test re-test validity confirmation. Excellent intraclass correlation coefficients were reported elsewhere. Results: Biostatistics and Epidemiology: FM prevalence averages 7% in women. In this study 75% had symptomology greater than 4 years, 92% were Caucasian, mean age was 47 years and 70% were married/partnered. Environmental health is postulated to trigger the onset of FM in genetically predisposed persons. Symptom onset was retrospectively reported to coincide with chronic stress (42%), acute illnesses (37%), and/or physical trauma (49%). Health Administration: Monthly out of pocket spending per patient was $500-1,000; 30% were uninsured. Disability claims filed by persons with FM was 29%, (U.S. population average 2.2%). Prior to diagnosis, 38% sought five or more medical opinions. Health Education: Data adds to mounting evidence that exercise, medications, education and cognitive behavioral therapies (pacing) reduce the negative impact of FM. Nonetheless, resources are scarce and often inaccurate. Implications: FM, a common, costly and highly debilitating condition, warrants further investigation from the five disciplines of public health.

Learning Objectives:

Learner objectives By the end of the session the participants will
• Identify two top environmental triggers that patients identified precipitated the onset of FM symptoms.
• Evaluate effective multidisciplinary interventions, which reduces the impact severity of the three most identified FM symptoms.
• Discuss how the top three symptoms contribute to the high cost of medical care.

Keywords: Chronic Illness, Health Promotion

Related Web page: www.myalgia.com/

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered