SUMMARY
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors that are most correlated with the levels of functional disability in patients with fibromyalgia.
METHODS:
This is a cross-sectional descriptive study in which 42 patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology reported their status using the following questionnaires: the Beck Depression Inventory, the Perceived Stress Scale 14, the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, the Visual Analog Pain Scale, and the Health Assessment Questionnaire.
RESULTS:
Moderate to severe levels of depression (Beck Depression Inventory: 22.35±10.39), moderate to severe functional disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire: 1.28±0.58), and high levels of stress (Perceived Stress Scale 14: 31.59±10.02) were found. The correlation adjusted by multiple regression as a function of the Health Assessment Questionnaire indicated a negligible to weak positive correlation with perceived stress (r=0.11), while a moderately strong positive correlation was observed with the Visual Analog Pain Scale (r=0.55). Regarding physical exercise, one of the pillars of the treatment, a moderate negative correlation was found with the Health Assessment Questionnaire (r=-0.4).
CONCLUSION:
The pain levels were moderately influenced by depression severity. The factors most linked to functional disability are due to the pain levels but not to the perception of stress.
KEYWORDS:
Fibromyalgia; Stress, psychological; Chronic pain; Depression; Sickness impact profile