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Abstract
Background: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and psychological symptoms. Adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and appropriate self-management practices are important for effective disease management and improved quality of life.
Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding fibromyalgia among participants and determine the association between educational level and knowledge, as well as the relationships among knowledge, attitudes, and practices.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 197 participants. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to fibromyalgia. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings. Associations and correlations among study variables were assessed using appropriate statistical tests.
Results: Among 197 participants, 43.1% had moderate knowledge, 31.0% had poor knowledge, and 25.9% had good knowledge. Positive attitudes were reported by 49.7%, while 32.5% had neutral and 17.8% had negative attitudes. Regarding practices, 39.6% demonstrated moderate, 36.0% inadequate, and 24.4% adequate practices. Higher education was associated with better knowledge. Knowledge was positively correlated with attitude (r = .32, p = .001) and practice (r = .41, p < .001), while attitude was positively correlated with practice (r = .28, p = .001).
Conclusion: Participants demonstrated moderate knowledge and attitudes but inadequate-to-moderate management practices. Targeted education and self-management interventions are recommended.