Knowledge, attitude and practice toward fibromyalgia among fibromyalgia patients: A web-based cross-sectional study in China

Abstract

Background This study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of fibromyalgia patients toward fibromyalgia. Methods This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted in China between February and March 2023 among fibromyalgia patients using a self-administered questionnaire. Results A total of 401 valid questionnaires were enrolled, including 326 (81.30%) females and with a mean age of 42.42 ± 11.78 years. The mean scores for KAP were 7.14 ± 2.72 (possible range: 0–10), 27.31 ± 4.24 (possible range: 8–40) and 28.08 ± 5.55 (possible range: 10–50), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed knowledge (OR = 1.09, 95%CI: 1.04–1.15, P = 0.001) and patient global impression (PGI) on average pain severity in the last week (OR = 0.89, 95%CI: 0.81–0.97, P = 0.011) were independently associated with positive attitude. Attitude (OR = 1.08, 95%CI: 1.02–1.14, P = 0.006), initial consultation in orthopedics (OR = 2.15, 95%CI: 1.24–3.73, P = 0.006) and age (OR = 0.98, 95%CI: 0.96–1.00, P = 0.037) were independently associated with proactive practice. The structural equation model demonstrated that knowledge had a positive effect on attitude (β = 0.21, P = 0.006), and Widespread Pain Index (WPI) exhibited an impact on both knowledge (β = -0.04, P < 0.001) and attitude (β = -0.52, P = 0.001). Conclusion Fibromyalgia patients showed suboptimal knowledge, moderate attitude and inactive practice toward fibromyalgia. To enhance fibromyalgia patient outcomes, recommendations include targeted education, addressing rural-urban disparities in knowledge, emphasizing early diagnosis, and adopting patient-centered approaches to promote positive attitude and better disease management. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-024-21076-6.