Predictors of functioning in women with fibromyalgia syndrome

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a chronic disabling condition characterized by widespread pain, multiple tender points and fatigue. It affects approximately 6 million Americans and occurs six to eight times more often in women than in men. FMS treatment is limited and often ineffective; it tends to follow a non-remitting course and often results in substantial disability. The purpose of this study was to examine predictors of social and role functioning among women living with FMS. Participants completed a questionnaire battery as part of the baseline assessment for a trial of a health promotion intervention. The battery included measures of socio-demographic variables, fibromyalgia impact, barriers, depressive symptoms, self-efficacy for health behaviors, social support, health promoting behaviors and the SF-36 subscales of social, role-emotional and role-physical functioning. The sample (N=197) ranged in age from 24 to 74 (mean 53.3) and had been diagnosed for a mean of 9.9 years. The majority are white/non Hispanic (82%%) and married (64%). Most (92%) had completed high school and only 26 % were currently employed full-time. Using stepwise multiple regression, fibromyalgia impact, depressive symptoms, barriers and education predicted social functioning scores (R²=. 47). Fifty percent of the variance in emotional role functioning was explained by depressive symptoms, fibromyalgia impact and age. Fibromyalgia impact and barriers predicted physical role functioning (R²=. 48). Using logistic regression, age and fibromyalgia impact were significant predictors of employment status. Strategies for reducing the negative impact of FMS may support improvements in functional status. This project was supported by R01HD035047, NICHD, NIH.