Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Share by Email
Print
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — A new study suggests that that there is a lack of gender differences in self-reported pain in patients with fibromyalgia.
Examining equal samples of males (n=152) and females (n=152), study researchers conducted a secondary analysis of data collected from a large fibromyalgia registry. The researchers recruited patients via mailed invitation and through a fibromyalgia clinic at a tertiary medical center. Study participants completed questionnaires assessing common fibromyalgia symptoms: pain, fatigue, sleep, dyscognition, and mood. The investigators then compared demographics and symptom scores between male and female participants. Approximately 89% of participants were white and approximately 52 years of age.
TRENDING ON CPA: Obama Pledges Additional $1.1B to Combat Opioid Abuse
In regard to age, race, body mass index, or self-reported symptom severity, there were no significant differences between males and females. Using the widespread pain index score, the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire – Revised, and the Short Form-36 bodily pain subscale, the researchers assessed P values for differences in pain: P=.54, P=.14, and P=.48, respectively.
The researchers found that there were no gender differences with respect to self-reported pain, fatigue, sleep, dyscognition, and mood. According to the study’s authors, the findings suggest that males and females with fibromyalgia likely have similar symptom experiences.
