The Epidemiological Aspects of Fibromyalgia Syndrome in Adults Living in Turkey: A Population Based Study

Abstract

Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of the fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS] in Diyarbakır, a city located in the southeastern region of Turkey, and to evaluate associated demographic variables.

Methods: This study was conducted in the beginning of 2003. A total of 600 people, randomly selected by stratified cluster sampling, were interviewed in person using a questionnaire consisting of demographic features and history of chronic widespread pain. Individuals with chronic widespread pain were examined by a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation in order to confirm or exclude FMS based on the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria. The statistical analysis was performed by using a package program called Epi Info 2000.

Results: Fifty-three people were diagnosed with FMS. Based on the study results, the prevalence of FMS was 8.8 percent in our regional study group. The prevalence was higher in women [12.5 percent] than in men [5.1 percent; P = 0.002, OR = 3.038, 95% CI = 1.5–6.1], and subjects in urban areas [11.4 percent] had a higher FMS rate than subjects in rural areas [5.2 percent; P = 0.011, OR = 2.388, 95% CI = 1.2–4.6]. The FMS was most common in the 50- to 59-year-old age group. No difference was observed in terms of education, occupation, and marital status.

Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this cross-sectional study is the first report on the prevalence of FMS in Diyarbakır. The FMS prevalence was 8.8 percent in our region. The FMS was found 2.45 times more common in women than in men and found 2.3 times higher in urban areas than in rural areas.

KEYWORDS:

• Fibromyalgia syndrome
• prevalence
• Diyarbakir
• Turkey