Factors Associated With Physical Function in Adults With Fibromyalgia

Abstract

Background

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that impacts 10 million people across the United States. While chronic pain is central in fibromyalgia, individuals with fibromyalgia also experience poor sleep quality, frequent headaches, fatigue, decreased physical function, increased anxiety and depression, and report a higher level of comorbid health conditions compared to individuals with other types of chronic pain.

Purpose/Aim

To identify variables that are associated with physical function and furthermore determine if these variables have an impact on physical function.

Methods/Design

An observational study was conducted, distributing surveys asking questions about age, race, sex, work status, education level, psychological resilience, comorbidities, pain intensity, depression, and physical function. Bivariate correlations were determined and a linear regression run utilizing SPSS version 29.

Results

Age, race, psychological resilience, pain intensity, comorbidities, and employment status all significantly correlate with physical function. The linear regression suggests psychological resilience, comorbidities, and employment status have significant effects on physical function.

Conclusion

Age, race, psychological resilience, pain intensity, comorbidities, and employment status all significantly correlate with physical function. The linear regression suggests psychological resilience, comorbidities, and employment status have significant effects on physical function

Implications for Nursing Profession

Nurses should pay attention to patient comorbidities, pain intensity, age, and race when determining how best to support the patient with fibromyalgia. Identifying interventions that concentrate on supporting psychological resilience could have a positive impact on overall physical function. Nurses need to see beyond the immediate pain the patient presents with and look at the individual's holistic wellbeing.

Implications for future research

More research is needed into variables that impact physical function in individuals with fibromyalgia. Pain intensity, and therefore medication to treat pain intensity, are only one facet of a comprehensive care plan. A better look at sociodemographic factors and at support systems are essential to the care and wellbeing of a patient with fibromyalgia.