Objectives: The goal of this study was to identify factors associated with decreased disability and lower pain scores 6 months after a multimodal treatment program for fibromyalgia (FM).
Methods: Forty-six patients with FM were assessed after having participated in a 3-month outpatient program integrating physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing, and cognitive-behavior therapy. A physician examined the patients before treatment and patients who completed a battery of psychosocial questionnaires at baseline, during treatment, at the end of treatment, and 3 and 6 months after the end of treatment. Two separate multivariable linear regression models were built to identify predictors of improvements in disability and pain.
Results: Two predictors for improvement in disability were found: an increase in self-efficacy for pain during treatment and better general adherence during treatment. Similarly, one predictor for improvement in pain intensity was found: an increase in self-efficacy for pain during treatment.
Discussion: Self-efficacy and adherence are 2 modifiable factors that influence disability and pain intensity in FM. These psychosocial factors need to be addressed in FM treatment programs to assist patients in maintaining posttreatment improvements.