A randomized controlled trial of a wellness intervention for women with fibromyalgia syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effects of a wellness intervention, Lifestyle Counts, for women with fibromyalgia syndrome on the level of self-efficacy for health-promoting behaviours, health-promoting activity and perceived quality of life.


METHODS
A randomized controlled single-blinded trial with treatment and attention-control groups.


METHODS
Community in the southwestern United States.


METHODS
Convenience sample of 187 women (98 treatment, 89 attention control) with fibromyalgia syndrome (mean age = 53.08 years, SD 9.86).


METHODS
The two-phase Lifestyle Counts intervention programme included lifestyle change classes for eight weeks, with goal-setting and telephone follow-up for three months. Participants in the attention-control group were offered an equivalent amount of contact in classes on general disease-related information and health education topics and unstructured follow-up phone calls. Participants were followed for a total of eight months after baseline.


METHODS
Self-report instruments measuring self-efficacy for health behaviours, health-promotion behaviours and health-related quality of life (SF-36 and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire) were completed at baseline, two months (after the classes), five months (after telephone follow-up) and at eight months.


RESULTS
Both groups improved significantly (P<0.05) over time on the measures of self-efficacy, health behaviours, fibromyalgia impact and quality of life. There were significant group x time interactions for scores on the Health Promoting Lifestyle II subscales of physical activity and stress management.


CONCLUSIONS
The Lifestyle Counts wellness intervention holds promise for improving health-promoting behaviours and quality of life of women with fibromyalgia syndrome.
Stuifbergen
Alexa K
AK
School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78701, USA. astuifbergen@mail.utexas.edu
Blozis
Shelley A
SA
Becker
Heather
H
Phillips
Lorraine
L
Timmerman
Gayle
G
Kullberg
Vicki
V
Taxis
Carole
C
Morrison
Janet
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006040:Goals; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011788:Quality of Life; D020377:Self Efficacy; D016037:Single-Blind Method