The impact of Fibromyalgia on health-related quality of life in patients according to age

Previous studies show controversial results regarding the influence of age on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with Fibromyalgia (FM). While some studies suggest that elderly patients have a worse HRQOL when compared with younger patients, others did not find differences according to age. The aim of the study was to analyse the impact of FM on HRQOL as far as patients’ age is concerned. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 76 adult Portuguese women with FM between 22 and 75 years (\( \bar{x} = 4 9. 6 1 \); SD = 10.07). The HRQOL was assessed through the generic questionnaire Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). To this study, we considered the direct scores on each dimension that encompasses the SF-36, and standardized scores of each dimension by age and gender, using Portuguese normative data. Data regarding clinical and psychological variables (anxiety, depression and social support) were also collected. Of the total sample, 11 patients (14.5 %) had <39 years, 54 patients (71 %) had between 40 and 59 years and 11 subjects (14.5 %) had 60 years or more. There were no differences between the three patient groups in any of the clinical and psychological variables considered, and the same lack of differences was observed in the SF-36 direct scores. Nevertheless, when the analysis was made using the SF-36 standardized scores, the patients over 60 years presented a significantly lower deterioration on physical (Physical Function, Role Physical and General Health) and social dimensions when compared with patients under 59 years, on Vitality when compared with patients under 39 years, and on Body Pain when compared to patients with age between 40 and 59 years. Regarding mental dimensions, no differences were found in the three age groups. In conclusion, it is important to control age effect on HRQOL to determine the specific impact of FM. Controlling the age effect on the HRQOL with standardized scores, elderly women with FM (≥60 years) have less impact of the disease on the physical and social dimensions of the HRQOL than younger patients.