Impact of employment and caregiving roles on the well-being of people with fibromyalgia syndrome

Objective: This study examined the associations between social roles [namely, employment and caregiving] and health status, quality of life, physical functioning, and depression in individuals 50+ years of age with and without fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS]. Methods: Seventy people with FMS [93 percent female, mean age 60 years] and 76 people without FMS [67 percent female, mean age 68 years] completed questionnaires and assessments, including the Composite Physical Function scale and Beck Depression Inventory-II. Results: Although the FMS group had significantly poorer outcomes overall, roles predicted better outcomes among the FMS group when compared with the non-FMS group. Specifically, linear regressions revealed that, for the FMS group, increased roles were positively associated with better health status, quality of life, and physical functioning, as well as fewer depression symptoms. For the non-FMS group, number of roles was positively linked with depression and not significantly associated with any of the other outcomes. Conclusion: Results suggest that fulfilling multiple roles may enhance the overall well-being of individuals with FMS.