The prevalence of fibromyalgia among doctors in the tertiary care hospital: A cross-sectional study

Background: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is an umbrella term for chronic pain syndrome, associated with tenderness, fatigue, reduced pain thresholds, and paresthesia in the limbs. The field of medicine places doctors in constant work-related stress, sleep deprivation, and depression, thus increasing their vulnerability to developing FMS. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and severity of FM (fibromyalgia) among physicians in a tertiary care hospital setting. Methods: The cross-sectional study was performed at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan, from December 2019 to December 2020.243 physicians of either gender, and from all the departments being house officers, medical officers, and post-graduate trainees were included & divided into 3 age groups from 20 to more than 45 years. Widespread Pain Index (WPI) equal to or more than 7 and Symptom Severity Score (SSS) equal to or more than 5 OR WPI = 3 to 6 and SSS equal to or more than 9 were required, according to the modified American College of Rheumatology preliminary diagnostic criteria 2016 for fibromyalgia diagnosis. Data was analyzed using SPSS 25. Results: Among a total of 243 participants, FMS was diagnosed in 69 (28.40%) individuals. The predominant FMS population was the youngest age group 20-35 (56 = 81.16%). Increased BMI, increasing pain score category, gender, and comorbidities are significantly associated with FMS (p = 0.05). Whereas, advancing age is insignificantly linked with FMS (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The prevalence of fibromyalgia was found to be high among doctors working in stressful hospital settings, particularly among the youngest ones.