Self-efficacy, pain, and physical activity among fibromyalgia subjects.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of self-efficacy on self-report pain and physical activities among subjects with fibromyalgia (FM). In addition, descriptive statistics of the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale (AIMS), a measure developed for use with arthritis patients, were reported.

METHODS

Seventy-nine subjects with FM, as classified by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, completed the Visual Analogue Scale for Pain, the AIMS, and the Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale. A myalgic score was obtained during a tender point evaluation. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to assess the effect of self-efficacy on self-report pain and physical activities measures after controlling for demographic variables (age, education, and symptom duration), disease severity (myalgic scores), and psychological distress (negative affect from the AIMS).

RESULTS

Higher self-efficacy was associated with less pain and less impairment on the physical activities measure after controlling for demographic and disease severity measures.

CONCLUSIONS

This study underscores the unique importance of self-efficacy in understanding pain and physical activities impairment.