Subjective quality of life, health, I-ADL ability and adaptation strategies in fibromyalgia

Objectives: To describe subjective quality of life and health, self-perceived instrumental activities of daily living (I-ADL) ability and adaptation strategies, and to explore possible relationships between these variables in fibromyalgia patients. Design: Two instruments were used with fibromyalgia patients: the Fibrositis Impact Questionnaire and 'Living with fibromyalgia - adaptation to chronic disease and handicap', and correlative analyses were performed. Subjects: A sample of 34 patients undergoing rehabilitation (in a specific programme). Results: The majority of the patients used many adaptation strategies, demonstrating some significant relationships with perceived I-ADL ability and subjective quality of life and health. Different symptoms correlated highly significantly with self-perceived ability in I-ADL. Conclusion: The significant relationships between adaptation strategies and I-ADL ability and health demonstrated deserve clinical awareness and further research efforts.