Exploring patient expectations in diagnosis and management of fibromyalgia in Saudi Arabia: a focus group study
- 1Department of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 10219, Riyadh, 11433 Saudi Arabia
- 2Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- 3Department of Physical Therapy, Prince Sultan Medical Military City, Riyadh, 11433 Saudi Arabia
Abstract
Background: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulty. Patients often face delays in diagnosis and challenges in managing symptoms, which can significantly affect daily life. This study explores patients’ experiences from symptom onset through diagnosis and treatment.
Methods: A qualitative study was conducted drawing upon the experiences of individuals living with fibromyalgia. Three online focus groups were conducted, with participants distributed across groups; each participant attended one session. Discussions were guided by a focus group guide developed from the literature and expert input. Participants were asked about their experiences and diagnosis of fibromyalgia, their beliefs and expectations about its management and prognosis, and any suggestions that they had that might improve existing services or resources. Thematic analysis of transcripts from these sessions was performed to identify key themes.
Results: Fourteen individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia (12 female, 2 male; mean age 43.8 years) participated in the study. Participants were distributed across three online focus group sessions, with each participant attending one session only. Analysis of participants’ experiences identified six key themes, which were: (1) Participants’ experience with diagnosis; (2) uncertainty about condition onset, cause, and treatment; (3) impact on daily life; (4) management techniques and coping strategies; (5) Participants’ expectations about management and prognosis; and (6) Participants’ suggestions for treatment. Participants reported their frustrations with delays in diagnosis, misdiagnoses, having received inconsistent support following diagnosis, and to have been administered treatments that overlooked physical symptoms. These issues contributed to emotional distress.
Conclusions: Clearer communication, holistic care, a more patient-centered approach, and increased awareness of fibromyalgia among healthcare providers and the public would enhance management of this condition and treatment outcomes.
Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-026-10572-y.
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BibTeX
@article{alrushud2026exploring,
title = {{Exploring patient expectations in diagnosis and management of fibromyalgia in Saudi Arabia: a focus group study}},
author = {Asma S. Alrushud and Mai Aldera and Mohammed A. Omair and Wafa Alshehri and Dalia M. Alimam},
journal = {BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1186/s12891-026-10572-y},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-026-10572-y},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Exploring patient expectations in diagnosis and management of fibromyalgia in Saudi Arabia: a focus group study
AU - Asma S. Alrushud
AU - Mai Aldera
AU - Mohammed A. Omair
AU - Wafa Alshehri
AU - Dalia M. Alimam
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/15
JO - BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
DO - 10.1186/s12891-026-10572-y
UR - https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-026-10572-y
AB - Background: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulty. Patients often face delays in diagnosis and challenges in managing symptoms, which can significantly affect daily life. This study explores patients’ experiences from symptom onset through diagnosis and treatment. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted drawing upon the experiences of individuals living with fibromyalgia. Three online focus groups were conducted, with participants distributed across groups; each participant attended one session. Discussions were guided by a focus group guide developed from the literature and expert input. Participants were asked about their experiences and diagnosis of fibromyalgia, their beliefs and expectations about its management and prognosis, and any suggestions that they had that might improve existing services or resources. Thematic analysis of transcripts from these sessions was performed to identify key themes. Results: Fourteen individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia (12 female, 2 male; mean age 43.8 years) participated in the study. Participants were distributed across three online focus group sessions, with each participant attending one session only. Analysis of participants’ experiences identified six key themes, which were: (1) Participants’ experience with diagnosis; (2) uncertainty about condition onset, cause, and treatment; (3) impact on daily life; (4) management techniques and coping strategies; (5) Participants’ expectations about management and prognosis; and (6) Participants’ suggestions for treatment. Participants reported their frustrations with delays in diagnosis, misdiagnoses, having received inconsistent support following diagnosis, and to have been administered treatments that overlooked physical symptoms. These issues contributed to emotional distress. Conclusions: Clearer communication, holistic care, a more patient-centered approach, and increased awareness of fibromyalgia among healthcare providers and the public would enhance management of this condition and treatment outcomes. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-026-10572-y.
SN - 1471-2474
ER -