Publication:

Assessment of physicians’ knowledge and awareness of fibromyalgia: a cross-sectional study

Background Fibromyalgia is not an uncommon cause of chronic musculoskeletal pain, and despite its rising prevalence, it remains a diagnostic challenge for physicians. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of fibromyalgia among Nigerian physicians.

Methods This was a cross-sectional, self-reported online survey. A total of 502 physicians participated in the study. The data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised of sociodemographic data and questions related to fibromyalgia. A scoring system was developed to stratify knowledge of fibromyalgia into very low, low, average, high, and very high. The level of significance was set at p<0.05.

Results Responses were obtained from 502 physicians with a mean age of 36±7.02 years. Most of the respondents (41.3%) had low fibromyalgia knowledge levels. Only 15.2% of the respondents obtained their knowledge of fibromyalgia during their undergraduate training, and 33.5% were familiar with at least one diagnostic criteria. Physical exercise (79.2%), opioids (65.6%), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (63.8%) were the most selected treatment options. The years in clinical practice, type of health facility, respondents’ cadre, and specialty were significantly associated with fibromyalgia knowledge levels (p<0.001). The number of years in clinical practice was found to be a predictor of fibromyalgia knowledge (p=0.001).

Conclusions This study found low levels of fibromyalgia knowledge among Nigerian physicians. The survey emphasizes the importance of improving Nigerian physicians' training modules for the diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia.