An exploratory study of long-term health outcomes following an in-patient multidisciplinary program for people with fibromyalgia syndrome

Abstract

Objective: To examine the health status of people with fibromyalgia syndrome approximately 10 years after an intensive rehabilitation intervention to identify biopsychosocial factors for further research. Methods: Baseline data, collected upon admission to the rehabilitation intervention was compared to follow-up data collected by telephone interview. Data was evaluated for differences and relationships using the appropriate parametric or non-parametric tests. Results: The 29 participants were interviewed an average of 9.4 years after their admissions. All participants reported the persistence of fibromyalgia and use of related medication. Differences between baseline and follow-up were: increased paid employment (P < 0.001), social networks (P < 0.05) and decreased stress levels (P < 0.05). Correlations with paid employment were: younger age (rs = -0.66, P < 0.01); larger social networks (rs = -0.40, P < 0.05) and transformation rehabilitation intervention experience (rs = 46, P < 0.05). Follow-up stress and sleep status were also related (rs = 0.46, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Fibromyalgia symptoms and medication use persist over time. The wider issues concerning social integration and participation appear to be worthy of further investigation. © 2009 Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.