Prevalence and predictors of fibromyalgia among Egyptian physicians: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundFibromyalgia is a chronic, disabling disorder of widespread musculoskeletal pain. It is generally considered a stress-related syndrome. Healthcare workers are prone to mental and physical stress due to due to excessive work burdens, long working hours, and a lack of balance between work and social life.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of fibromyalgia and its predictors among Egyptian physicians.MethodsSix hundred and ninety-one Egyptian physicians completed an online survey which included a self-reported fibromyalgia rapid screening tool (FiRST) as well as demographic (sex and age), health-related (chronic illnesses if any), and employment data (workday length, specialty, and employer). Logistic regression was performed to explore possible predictors of fibromyalgia.ResultsFibromyalgia was observed in 13.2% of participants, with a female to male ratio of 3.8:1. Predictors of FM in this cohort included the following: female sex (odds ratio (OR) 2.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–3.9, p = 0.014), age 41–50 years (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.5–9.6, p = 0.005), concomitant chronic illness: endocrinopathies (other than diabetes mellitus) (OR 2.69, 95% CI 1.09–6.64, p = 0.035), musculoskeletal disorders (OR 5.60, 95% CI 2.96–10.6, p < 0.001), autoimmune disorders (OR 3.61, 95% CI 1.69–7.73, p = 0.002), employment at a Ministry of Health Healthcare Facility (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–3.1, p = 0.013), and a workday length of ≥ 13 h (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1–5.3, p = 0.038). Physicians in surgical specialties were less likely to suffer from FM (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.24–0.94, p = 0.033).ConclusionEgyptian physicians have higher fibromyalgia prevalence than the general population. Demographic, health-related, and professional predictors of FM were identified in this cohort.