To examine the health status of people with fibromyalgia syndrome approximately 10 years after an intensive rehabilitation intervention to identify biopsychosocial factors for further research.
Baseline data, collected upon admission to the rehabilitation intervention was compared to follow-up data collected by telephone interview. Data was evaluated for differences and relationships using the appropriate parametric or non-parametric tests.
The 29 participants were interviewed an average of 9.4 years after their admissions. All participants reported the persistence of fibromyalgia and use of related medication. Differences between baseline and follow-up were: increased paid employment (P < 0.001), social networks (P < 0.05) and decreased stress levels (P < 0.05). Correlations with paid employment were: younger age (r(s) = -0.66, P < 0.01); larger social networks (r(s) = -0.40, P < 0.05) and transformation rehabilitation intervention experience (r(s) = .46, P < 0.05). Follow-up stress and sleep status were also related (r(s) = 0.46, P < 0.05).
Fibromyalgia symptoms and medication use persist over time. The wider issues concerning social integration and participation appear to be worthy of further investigation.