Impact of fibromyalgia and diagnostic delay in Paraguay

Abstract

Introduction: Fibromyalgia is a prevalent chronic condition characterized by widespread pain and other symptoms that impact the quality of life of those who suffer from it. A well-documented diagnostic delay exists, which can negatively influence the management and prognosis of the disease.

Objective: To describe the demographic characteristics, diagnostic delay, and impact of fibromyalgia, using data collected through an online survey in a cohort of Paraguayan patients.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia who voluntarily and anonymously completed a self-administered online survey via Google Forms® were included. The information collected included data such as age, sex, origin, time to diagnosis (in years, from symptom onset to formal diagnosis), and FIQ scores (Total, Function, Overall Impact, and Symptoms). Descriptive statistics were used, presenting means and standard deviations (SD) for quantitative variables using IBM SPSS version 30.0.0.

Results: The analysis included 63 patients, predominantly female (98.4%). The mean age at diagnosis was 50.24 ± 11.40 years. The majority of patients were located in the Central Department (66.66%). The mean time to diagnosis was 1.48 ± 0.759 years. The mean total FIQ score was 54.87 ± 8.316. The mean scores for the FIQ domains were: Function: 11.16 ± 6.705; General Impact: 14.71 ± 4.225; and Symptoms: 29 ± 5.79.

Conclusion: The study showed a female predominance, with the majority of patients located in the Central Department. The predominant FIQ domain was symptoms. A considerable diagnostic delay was also evident.