Objective: To examine the health status of people with fibromyalgia syndrome approximately 10 years after an intensive rehabilitation intervention to identify biopsychosocial factors for further research.
Methods: Baseline data, collected upon admission to the rehabilitation intervention was compared to follow-up data collected by telephone interview. Data was evaluated for differences and relationships using the appropriate parametric or non-parametric tests.
Results: The 29 participants were interviewed an average of 9.4 years after their admissions. All participants reported the persistence of fibromyalgia and use of related medication. Differences between baseline and follow-up were: increased paid employment (P < 0.001), social networks (P < 0.05) and decreased stress levels (P < 0.05). Correlations with paid employment were: younger age (r(s) = -0.66, P < 0.01); larger social networks (r(s) = -0.40, P < 0.05) and transformation rehabilitation intervention experience (r(s) = .46, P < 0.05). Follow-up stress and sleep status were also related (r(s) = 0.46, P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Fibromyalgia symptoms and medication use persist over time. The wider issues concerning social integration and participation appear to be worthy of further investigation.