An exploratory study of long-term health outcomes following an in-patient multidisciplinary program for people with fibromyalgia syndrome.
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 (r(s) = -0.66, P < 0.01); larger social networks (r(s) = -0.40, P < 0.05) and transformation rehabilitation intervention experience (r(s) = .46, P < 0.05). Follow-up stress and sleep status were also related (r(s) = 0.46, P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Fibromyalgia symptoms and medication use persist over time. The wider issues concerning social integration and participation appear to be worthy of further investigation.
White
Douglas H N
DH
QE Health, Rotorua, New Zealand. dougwhite4@aol.com
Faull
Kieren
K
Jones
Peter B B
PB
D000639:Amitriptyline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018710:Pain Clinics; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control
D000639:Amitriptyline; D000700:Analgesics; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors