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

Abstract

Abstract Background Fibromyalgia 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. Objective The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of fibromyalgia and its predictors among Egyptian physicians. Methods Six 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. Results Fibromyalgia 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). Conclusion Egyptian physicians have higher fibromyalgia prevalence than the general population. Demographic, health-related, and professional predictors of FM were identified in this cohort.