Sociodemographic factors, but not rurality, explain limited variance in fibromyalgia severity: a secondary analysis of 2 randomized clinical trials.
Ezgi Yarasir Gillette, Kari G Vance, Emine O Bayman et al.
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In 30 seconds
This secondary analysis combined baseline data from 685 participants in two randomized clinical trials to examine whether rural residence and sociodemographic characteristics were associated with fibromyalgia severity. Participants were 96% female, and 44% lived in rural areas. Rurality was not associated with Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire-Revised (FIQR) scores, while several sociodemographic factors were associated with scores. Together, sociodemographic variables explained less than 10% of FIQR variance (R² = 0.09), indicating limited explanatory contribution.
Key findings
- FIQR scores were not associated with rurality (t = -0.350, P = 0.726).
- Sociodemographic variables explained less than 10% of FIQR variance (R² = 0.09).
- Higher FIQR scores were observed among participants who were older, non-White, unemployed, and had lower income.
- Sociodemographic variables explained 9% of pain severity variance, 8% of pain interference, 4% of widespread pain, 6% of fatigue, and 12% of pain catastrophizing.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that rural residence and measured sociodemographic characteristics account for only a limited share of variation in fibromyalgia symptoms in this sample. This helps frame these factors as insufficient explanations for individual differences in severity and underscores that the observed associations should not be treated as a comprehensive account of symptom burden.
What to keep in mind
This was a secondary analysis of baseline data, so it assesses associations rather than effects over time or causal relationships. The sample was 96% female, which may limit how broadly the findings apply.