Association of employment and working conditions with physical and mental health symptoms for people with fibromyalgia

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines physical and mental health symptoms among people with fibromyalgia (FM) by employment status and working conditions. Method: Secondary data analysis of the 2007 National Fibromyalgia Association Questionnaire study resulted in employment and symptom information for 1702 people of working age with FM. In this cross-sectional internet study, six factors of symptom clusters (physical, mental health, sleeping, concentration, musculoskeletal, support) were seen in the data. Linear regression models used employment, age, income, gender, and education to predict symptom clusters. Among those employed, working conditions were also associated with symptom severity. Results: In the predominately female sample, 51% were working. Of these, 70% worked over 30 hours/week and half had flexible hours. Employment, higher income, and education were strongly associated with fewer symptoms. Working conditions, including level of physical and mental exertion required on the job as well as coworkers’ understanding of FM, were related to symptoms, particularly physical and mental health symptoms. Many participants reported modifying their work environment (66%) or changing occupations (33%) due to FM. Conclusions: Work modifications could allow more people with FM to remain employed and alleviate symptoms. Persons with FM should be counseled to consider what elements of their work may lead to symptom exacerbation.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• People with fibromyalgia (FM) are at increased risk for unemployment.

• People with FM who remain working experience benefits, including fewer physical and mental health symptoms, higher income, and more social support.

• To remain working, people with FM may require an altered work situation, such as flexible or reduced hours.

• Persons with FM should be counselled upon diagnosis to consider which elements of their work may lead to symptom exacerbation or problems with work productivity.

Keywords::

• Employment
• fibromyalgia syndrome
• physical symptoms
• mental health
• chronic pain

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dr. Jessie Jones, Jordan Aquino, Brianne Levine and the dedicated students and faculty of the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Center, California State University, Fullerton.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no declaration of interest.