Fibromyalgia: epidemiology and risk factors, a population‐based case‐control study in Lebanon. (14th July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moukaddem, Afaf; Chaaya, Monique; Slim, Zeinab F. N.; Jaffa, Miran; Sibai, Abla Mehio; Uthman, Imad
• Is Part Of: International journal of rheumatic diseases. Volume 20:Number 2(2017)
• Page Start: 169
• Page End: 176
• Publication Date: 2015-07-14
• Subjects: epidemiology -- fibromyalgia; Rheumatology -- Periodicals; Rheumatology -- Asia -- Periodicals; Rheumatology -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; Rheumatic Diseases -- Periodicals; Connective Tissue Diseases -- Periodicals; Immune System Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.723
• DOI: 10.1111/1756-185X.12701
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-1841

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: To investigate the epidemiology of fibromyalgia (FM) and assess its risk factors. Methods: Using data from the 2009 Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD) study conducted in Lebanon, a population‐based case control study was performed. The sample included 34 FM patients, frequency matched with 136 controls free from any musculoskeletal complaints and randomly sampled from the population. The controls were frequency matched with cases by age and gender. Results: The 34 female FM cases were prevalent cases which existed for a long period of time and all those who consulted a doctor were previously misdiagnosed. Family history of joint problems (OR = 4.93, 95% CI: 1.56–15.58) and working status (OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.04–6.93) were significant risk factors for FM, after adjusting for body mass index, distress level, smoking status and residence location. Conclusion: This was the first study to address the epidemiology of FM in Lebanon and the region. The chronic nature of FM that is characterized by frequent bouts of intense disabling pain and symptoms constitutes a significant health and economic burden. Clustering of cases in coastal areas was partially explained by other factors such as body mass index, distress level, smoking and work status. The high burden of FM found in our study calls for further investigation of potential risk factors of this condition.