The prevalence of fibromyalgia syndrome in Chinese people in Hong Kong

Objectives: The community prevalence of fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS] in different countries has been reported to vary between 0.64 percent in South Africa to 10.5 percent in Norway. However, no study has yet reported on the prevalence of FMS in a Chinese population. The primary purpose of this study was, therefore, to estimate the prevalence of FMS in the Chinese community in Hong Kong. Methods: The study consisted of three parts: a. translation of the screening instrument (6) into Chinese, b. a standardized telephone survey of Hong Kong Chinese adults for the presence of chronic widespread pain [CWP], c. a detailed physical examination of those willing people who were identified as having CWP in the previous three months. The examination included determining the presence of FMS tender points. Results: Of 2,458 eligible respondents, 1,467 adults agreed to be interviewed [60 percent response rate]. Sixty-four of these reported CWP and 37 attended a clinical examination. Seven of these subjects [four male: three female] were classified as having FMS. The prevalence of FMS in Hong Kong was estimated to be 0.82 percent [95 percent CI: 0.35 percent, 1.29 percent]. Conclusions: The prevalence of FMS in the Chinese population of Hong Kong is low but is similar to that of some other Western countries.