Fibromyalgia: epidemiology and risk factors, a population-based case-control study in Damascus, Syria.

Abstract Background Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease with a high burden. We aim to be the first to investigate the prevalence of fibromyalgia (FM) in Syria and assess its risk factors. Methods a self-reported questionnaire was distributed to the public to identify fibromyalgia patients using the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2010 modified criteria. Identified cases were matched using age with controls free from rheumatic disorders that were randomly sampled from the same population. Results out of 2966 participants, 350 (11.8%) satisfied the diagnostic criteria. Of these, only 29 (8.2%) were previously diagnosed by a physician, 239 (68.3%) were females, and 69 (19.71%) were diagnosed with depression. Female sex (OR=1.7, CI: 1.3-2.1), unemployment (OR=1.4, CI:1.1 – 1.79), diagnosis of major depressive disorder (OR=3.8, CI: 2.7 – 5.35), generalized anxiety disorder (OR=2.7, CI: 1.95 – 3.72), and irritable bowel syndrome (OR=2.4, CI: 1.78 – 3.17) were significant risk factors for FM. Conclusion our study revealed one of the highest prevalence rates of fibromyalgia ever reported in the general population. Efforts must be intensified to increase the awareness about this disease in the Syrian society as well as among healthcare providers.