IMPACT OF FIBROMYALGIA ON EVERYDAY LIFE - A STUDY OF WOMEN IN THE USAAND SWEDEN

The study investigated how 39 women with fibromyalgia (FM), living in two countries (USA or Sweden), report the consequences of fibromyalgia on everyday life activities. Data were collected using questionnaires , diaries and interviews. The result showed that the impact on everyda y life was considerable. The majority of the women experienced pain an d fatigue for more than 90% of their time awake. There were no signifi cant differences between the national groups in time use, problems wit h everyday activities, or quality of life. Overall, the differences be tween individuals were greater than between the national groups. The m ajority of the employed patients in the Swedish group had reduced thei r working time, while the employed patients in the USA group worked ma inly full-time. Patients who were able to reduce their working hours t o fit their perceived capacity were less exhausted during their leisur e, and reported higher satisfaction with daily activities.