Factors promoting improvements in symptoms and health in women with fibromyalgia and chronic widespread pain: a qualitative interview study.

Abstract

To describe experiences of improvement among women with chronic widespread pain (CWP). Recruitment was made from a cohort of women with CWP who participated in a 10- to 12-year follow-up study in 2016. The inclusion criterion was an improvement of at least 30% on a visual analog scale of pain intensity between baseline and follow-up. Seventeen women participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The analysis resulted in three categories with eight subcategories: <i>Experience of improvement</i> included feeling better despite persisting symptoms and to be capable of more activity. <i>Developing strategies for better health</i> included choosing to act to improve health, developing a constructive mental approach to the illness, and changing one's view of oneself and one's life. <i>Contextual factors supporting improvement</i> included support from healthcare, social support from one's environment, and reduced load in daily life. Experiences of health improvement involved active changes as well as contextual factors. Clinical implications of this study are that increased knowledge regarding pain management, increased physical activity, and reduced stress could contribute to symptom improvement in persons with CWP.