The prevalence of fibromyalgia in adults at Al-Karak Jordan: a cross-sectional study

Alaa Akel; Mohammed Y Sarhan; Majed Al Dwairy; Belal Al-Zu'bi; Ala Al-Qudah; Omar A Alsmarat; Taif Alsaraireh; Mohammad Abu-Jeyyab

doi:10.1097/MS9.0000000000001722

The prevalence of fibromyalgia in adults at Al-Karak Jordan: a cross-sectional study

Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2024 Jan 23;86(3):1315-1321. doi: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000001722. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Authors

Alaa Akel¹, Mohammed Y Sarhan², Majed Al Dwairy³, Belal Al-Zu'bi¹, Ala Al-Qudah⁴, Omar A Alsmarat⁵, Taif Alsaraireh⁶, Mohammad Abu-Jeyyab⁷

Affiliations

¹ Department of Special Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Mutah University, Mu'tah.
² Department of Special Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa.
³ Princess Basma Teaching Hospital, Irbid.
⁴ Internal Medicine, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
⁵ Department of Surgery, Al-Nadeem Hospital, Madaba.
⁶ Prince Hamzeh Hospital.
⁷ School of Medicine, Mutah University, Al-Karak, Jordan, Red Cresent Hospital, Amman, Jordan.

Abstract

Introduction: Fibromyalgia is a chronic and intricate musculoskeletal disorder characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and tenderness in specific anatomical regions. Although its prevalence varies among populations, understanding the prevalence in different geographical areas is crucial for healthcare planning. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence of fibromyalgia in adults residing in Al-Karak, Jordan. The city's unique demographic and environmental characteristics may influence the occurrence of fibromyalgia among its adult population. The study aims to address gaps in knowledge, provide localized insights, and shed light on fibromyalgia's burden on the community's health. Accurate prevalence data aids healthcare planning and resource allocation.

Methods: This research collected data from 965 social media participants using Google Forms. The American College of Rheumatology survey criteria for diagnosing fibromyalgia were used. To investigate the predictive value of various parameters, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results: The study found a 26.5% prevalence of fibromyalgia in the studied population. Female gender, mental health illnesses, and comorbidities like irritable bowel syndrome, psychiatric disorders, and rheumatological and neurological diseases were significantly associated with fibromyalgia. Age, BMI, marital status, employment status, and certain comorbidities did not show statistically significant predictive value.

Conclusion: This study sheds light on fibromyalgia's prevalence and associated factors in the Al-Karak population. The identified predictors highlight the necessity for comprehensive healthcare strategies and interventions to mitigate the disease burden. These findings aid policymakers and healthcare professionals in planning and implementing effective measures for fibromyalgia management and prevention. Further research is warranted to deepen our understanding of fibromyalgia's complexity and its implications in this region.

Keywords: Al-Karak; fibromyalgia; prevalence; rheumatology; survey.