The impact of fatigue on patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a survey.

M McToal, JG McVeigh

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    Abstract

    Introduction: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a common pain syndrome associated with fatigue and anxiety. The aim of this survey was to determine the impact of fatigue on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with FMS, and to identify activities most limited by fatigue. Further the survey also aimed to explore the relationships between fatigue, pain, and anxiety.Methods: Following ethical approval, a postal survey was sent to a convenience sample of 200 members of an FMS support group. Demographic data was collected and participants were asked to complete the Multi-dimensional Assessment of Fatigue Scale (MAF) and two visual analog scales (VAS) measuring pain and anxiety. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Pearson’s correlation coefficient determined relationships between fatigue, pain and anxiety. Fisher’s Exact Probability Test was used to identify the relationship between work status and fatigue. Results: A response rate of 52.5% was achieved (105/200). Fatigue was found to impact severely on the QoL of those with FMS. From the MAF, a mean Global Fatigue Index score of 40.7 (range 1= no fatigue – 50 = severe fatigue) was calculated. Fatigue impacted on a range of activities e.g. leisure, exercise, work and household chores. Fatigue was significantly associated with both pain (r = 0.674) and anxiety (r = 0.546) (both p values <0.0001), no significant relationship was found between the duration of FMS and fatigue (r = 0.106; p = 0.320).Conclusion: Fatigue has a major impact on the QoL of patients with FMS. There is a strong relationship between fatigue and other variables such as pain and anxiety. However there is no relationship between the time since diagnosis and fatigue experienced. Fatigue management should feature highly in any treatment programme for those with FMS.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationUnknown Host Publication
    PublisherIrish Pain Society
    Number of pages1
    Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - Aug 2008
    EventPain Mind and Movement II, a satellite conference of the 12th World Congress on Pain Ireland, August, 2008 - Dublin
    Duration: 1 Aug 2008 → …

    Conference

    ConferencePain Mind and Movement II, a satellite conference of the 12th World Congress on Pain Ireland, August, 2008
    Period1/08/08 → …

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