Effects of Workplace-Related Factors on the Prevalence of Fibromyalgia among Israeli Kindergarten Teachers

Abstract

Background. Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), a chronic widespread pain disorder, has been associated with various models of stress, including those that are workplace-related. In a previous study, we have documented the significantly increased prevalence of FMS among schoolteachers, as well as correlating symptoms with stressful workplace-related factors. In the current study, we have focused on the specific population of kindergarten teachers and attempted to document both the prevalence of FMS symptoms among this group and the association with stress and symptoms of posttrauma. Methods. All participants in the study were working as kindergarten teachers in Israel at the time of the study. Participants responded to a questionnaire documenting FMS symptom, which included the widespread pain index (WPI) and symptom severity scale (SSS), which together constitute the suggested American College of Rheumatology (ACR) FMS diagnostic criteria. Additional items on the questionnaire documented work motivation and performance, the occurrence of workplace-related stressful events, and the presence of posttraumatic symptoms. Results. 242 participants were recruited to the current study, including 239 (98.8%) females and 3 (1.2%) males. 62 individuals (25.6%) were found to fulfill ACR FMS criteria. Significant differences in work performance were found between teachers fulfilling FMS criteria compared with those not fulfilling criteria. Thus, FMS-positive teachers reported significantly higher rates of missing workdays, leaving work early, and a lower quality of interaction with children in the kindergarten and with peers and supervisors. Motivation to work was also significantly lower among these individuals. The widespread pain index (WPI) and symptom severity scale (SSS), which together constitute the components of the FMS diagnostic criteria, were positively correlated with both stress and posttraumatic symptoms. In addition, widespread pain, disordered sleep, difficulty with concentration, and other FMS symptoms were strongly correlated with many specific stressful factors at the workplace, including the number of children in the kindergarten, interaction with parents, lack of optimal physical conditions in the classrooms, and various demands on behalf of the educational system. Conclusion. FMS symptoms were found to be highly prevalent among Israeli kindergarten teachers, at a rate that greatly exceeds the prevalence in the general Israeli population. Stressful work-related events appear to be positively associated with the occurrence of FMS symptoms and may serve as triggers for their development. Healthcare professionals treating individuals engaged in this occupation should be vigilant for the occurrence of symptoms that are clinically associated with FMS and overlapping functional disorders.

Prevalence of Fibromyalgia among Ischemic Heart Disease Patients in Lahore

“…Askin et al reported a higher prevalence of FM symptoms among cardiac patients using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and VAS scale for pain, finding 22 symptoms in 62 patients versus 4 in normal subjects (16). Y. Muskila's study on gender differences in FM incidence included 321 individuals and reported a higher incidence in women (11.4%) compared to men (1.5%) (17). Caroline et al's large-scale study investigated pain incidence rates among FM and non-FM individuals, noting a higher prevalence of FM symptoms in women and more medical problems in men (18).…”

Resilience and Sense of Coherence among Female Fibromyalgia Patients Living in a Conflict Zone Who Underwent Fibrotherapy Intervention

“…The prevalence of FM in the general population ranges from 0.2% to 6.6%, with higher rates among women (2.4-6.8%) [12]. The prevalence of FM symptoms among female teachers in Israel was 11.4%, significantly higher than the rate among male teachers (1.5%) [13]. While the exact etiology of FM remains unclear, trauma is recognized as a significant risk factor.…”

The development of fear of missing out scale for early childhood teachers’ work information and the influencing factors of fear of missing out

“…A large number of studies have proved that anxiety is highly related to chronic diseases [14][15][16] and subhealth [17,18] of early childhood teachers, such as cardiovascular diseases, gastric ulcer [19] and frequent colds [20] . Anxiety also has a negative impact on the occupational stability of early childhood teachers [21] .…”