Evaluation of fibromyalgia in on-call healthcare workers

Abstract

Introduction: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a non-articular, chronic rheumatic disease with unknown etiology, characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, sleep disorder, fatigue, and the presence of numerous tender points. Working with the shift work and night shift system contradicts the normal biological rhythm of the body and negatively affects the person in many ways. The complaint of sleep disorder is widespread in patients with FM; close to 100% prevalence has been reported in some studies. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between fibromyalgia and shift working order in our hospital staff. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in our university hospital. 120 people who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study, and 80 were accepted. As a control group, 95 people were reached, 80 of whom agreed to participate in the study. The Fibromyalgia Impact Scale (FES) was questioned in cases with fibromyalgia. The SF-36 quality of life questionnaire was applied to all the cases in which the study was conducted. 1990 ACR Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Criteria were used for diagnosis. The Fibromyalgia Impact Scale (FES) was questioned in cases with FM. Results: The average score of all SF-36 quality of life questionnaire sub-field groups was significantly higher in the control group than in the group who stand duty (p <0.05). There is a difference between the study group and the control group in terms of "physical function" (p<0.001). The "physical function" score is higher in the control group. A significant difference was found in SF-36 subgroups in cases with FM (N:39) compared to cases with non-FM (N:141) (p<0.05). General health status was more negatively affected in the cases with FM. There is a weakly positive linear relationship (borderline significant) between FES1.2 (laundry) and "social function" (r=0.349, p=0.054). There is a moderately negative linear relationship between FES1.3 (preparing meals) and “general health” (r=- 0.420, p=0.019) Conclusion: As a result, fibromyalgia is more common in health workers who are working night shifts and have at least four night shifts a month. This situation negatively affects health workers' quality of life and general health. the number and intensity of night shifts per person should be minimized as much as possible to reduce the potential negative impact of night shifts on workers, especially in the lines of work where a shift work order negatively affects the human biological clock.