Evaluation of pain and quality of life of fibromyalgia patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It is known that fi- bromyalgia is a musculoskeletal syndrome characterized by chronic and widespread pain. Considering that pain has direct implications on affected patients’ lives, this study aimed at eva- luating pain and quality of life of fibromyalgia patients to better understand the correlation between such variables. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 45 females aged betwe- en 30 and 55 years, in stable treatment in the month previous to selection, being excluded those under physiotherapeutic tre- atment, using walking aids and/or with autoimmune rheuma- tologic diseases or relevant uncontrolled comorbidities. Patients were evaluated with interview records, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Widespread Pain Index and visual analog scale. Data were analyzed by Pearson Correlation and Student t tests, with statistical significance above 95%. RESULTS: There have been high scores in Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Widespread Pain Index and visual analog scale, in addition to linear correlation between pain scores and quality of life. CONCLUSION: Pain is associated to impaired quality of life of fibromyalgia patients.