Prevalence of Juvenile Fibromyalgia Syndrome Among Children and Adolescents and its Relationship With Academic Success, Depression and Quality of Life, Çorum Province, Turkey

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to determine the frequency of juvenile fibromyalgia syndrome (JFMS) among children and adolescents in Çorum Province, Turkey, and its impact by comparing the levels of academic success, depression and quality of life (QoL) in individuals with and without JFMS. Patients and methods: This was a cross-sectional study on 476 children and adolescents (245 boys, 231 girls; mean age 13.81±2.3 years; range, 9 to 17 years). The control group (non-JFMS group) consisted of 105 age-and sex-matched healthy participants (75 girls, 30 boys; mean age 14.1±1.8 years; range; 9 to 17 years). Participants' sociodemographic data, parental information, and school achievement in addition to data on chronic illness and drug use were collected via questionnaires (depression and QoL). A tender point (TP) examination was performed on each participant. Results: Thirty-five (7.35%) of the participants (girls, n=25; boys, n=10) were diagnosed with JFMS. The number of minor JFMS diagnostic criteria, number of TPs, depression level and number of days the participants were absent from school were significantly higher in the JFMS group compared with the non-JFMS group (p<0.05). The mean grade point scores of the JFMS group were significantly lower than those of the non-JFMS group (p<0.05). The QoL subgroup scores as assessed by physical functioning, emotional functioning, social functioning and school-related problems of the JFMS group were significantly lower than the non-JFMS group (p<0.05). Age had a statistically significant negative correlation with QoL and school-related problems (r=-0.421, r=-0.494; p<0.05, respectively). Depression was negatively correlated with QoL and school-related problems (r=-0.672, r=-0.731; p<0.05, respectively). Conclusion: Juvenile fibromyalgia syndrome affects QoL and can lead to school absenteeism, poor academic performance, depression and anxiety among the school-age population. Early identification of JFMS and early intervention may be the most effective strategy for preventing problems in later life.

Psychological characteristics of juvenile fibromyalgia syndrome

“…This data supports studies confirming the significant association between psychiatric disorders and JFM/CP 7,45 . Research comparing juvenile and adulthood fibromyalgia shows that anxiety symptoms are the most prevalent in JFM patients 39,40,46 . It is essential, therefore, to prevent the onset and progression of fibromyalgia and its associated psychiatric comorbidities into adulthood.…”

“…7,45 Research comparing juvenile and adulthood fibromyalgia shows that anxiety symptoms are the most prevalent in JFM patients. 39,40,46 It is essential, therefore, to prevent the onset and progression of fibromyalgia and its associated psychiatric comorbidities into adulthood. On this matter, two studies in particular show that more than 75% and 57.5% of patients with JFM have reported prevalence of anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder later in life, 5,45 raising concern of the potential health risks due to come to light with age.…”

“…Children with CP or JFM tend to miss school, 7,39 spend more time at home, use more medication and reduce the rate of enjoyable activities. 5,[43][44] The negative impact on the quality of life for individuals who suffer from JFM and CP is high.…”

Paediatric chronic pain prevalence in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Therefore, 27 studies (24 cross-sectional studies, two prospective studies, and one retrospective study) were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis ( Table 1 ). 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 The studies did not have overlapping samples. We found no study on chronic pain in neonates.…”

“… 29 Malaysia 2003 456 1971 Age 12 only; cross-sectional study; at least three episodes of abdominal pain severe enough to affect daily activities, over a period of at least 3 months Çagliyan Türk et al. 30 Turkey 2020 476 35 Age 9–17; cross-sectional study; chronic pain >3 months Chiwaridzo et al 31 Zimbabwe 2014 532 153 Age 13–19; cross-sectional study; pain recurrent within last year Cruz et al 32 Ecuador 1985 1549 158 Age 0–19; cross-sectional study; recurrent and/or persistent severe headaches within the year preceding prevalence day da Silva et al. 33 Brazil 2010 579 14 Age 10–19; cross-sectional study; chronic headache defined by ICHD2 Devanarayana et al.…”