Poster Presentation
Thursday, 20 July 2006
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Thursday, 20 July 2006
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
This presentation is part of : Poster Presentations II
Predicting Functional Ability in Persons with Fibromyalgia
Dana N. Rutledge, PhD, RN, Department of Nursing, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA, Kim Jones, PhD, FNP, RNC, Schools of Nursing and Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA, and Jessie Jones, PhD, Health Science, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA.
Learning Objective #1: Discuss predictors of functional ability in persons with fibromyalgia
Learning Objective #2: Discuss correlations among factors related to fibromyalgia in a national sample
Introduction: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic disorder underpinned by abnormalities in pain processing. Persons with FM also have burdensome symptoms along with high rates of functional and occupational disability (DeWalt, Reed, Pincus, 2005; deGier, Peters, Vlaeyen, 2003). Evolving data suggests that symptom clustering and psychosocial factors predict physical function (Kop et al., 2005; Lindberg & Iwarsson, 2002).
Some persons with FM can maintain normal function. Interventions (pharmacologic, nonpharmacologic) used by these high-functioning persons are not known. To develop interventions acceptable to persons with FM, more knowledge is needed about etiology of high/low physical functioning including symptom status, psychosocial factors, and self management strategies.
Purpose: This descriptive, correlational study will determine predictors of functional ability in persons with FM from symptoms, coexisting conditions, demographics, and reported use of selected pharmacologic/nonpharmacologic strategies.
Methodology: Newly developed National Fibromyalgia Association Questionnaire (NFAQ) was administered to 2200 persons via the NFA website. The NFAQ measures physical activity levels, functional abilities, general well-being (symptoms), out-of-pocket health care costs, employment status, work productivity, use of nonpharmacologic interventions, use of medications. Developed by the Scientific Advisory Board (NFA), the NFAQ was based upon literature findings and feedback from focus groups. Moderate stability of items/sections was established with a 55-person national sample using test-retest evaluation (Trinh, 2005).
Using logistic regression with 3 levels of function (high/medium/low), variables with significant intercorrelations with physical function will be regressed upon function to determine predictors of function in FM.
Results: Will be reported for this poster presentation.
Discussion: Given knowledge of predictors of physical function in FM, providers may develop strategies to promote better functioning. Additionally, scientists could test multi-modal interventions that are empirically based and individualized for a particular subject profile.
Recommendations: Data may confirm the heterogeneity of FM, with patients utilizing multiple modalities to control symptoms, remain employed and physically functional.

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