Date Presented 04/04/2025
Health outcomes in fibromyalgia (FM) are associated with symptoms, functional capacity and quality of sleep, and, to a lesser extent, cognition. Meaningful participation relates to quality of life among people with FM and may be expanded using medical cannabis.
Primary Author and Speaker: Lena Lipskaya-Velikovsky
Contributing Authors: Adi Atuan
PURPOSE: Fibromyalgia (FM) involves cognitive and emotional symptoms, affects daily functioning and quality of life (QOL). Limited studies have addressed comprehensively the interplay between the FM symptoms and health outcomes, and potential mechanisms for change in participation in FM. Recently, medical cannabis (MC) was approved for the treatment in FM due to suboptimal medication results. The study aimed to investigate association between FM symptoms, participation and QOL; and explore potential to change in outcomes as a result of MC consumption.
DESIGN: Cross-sectional, with convenience sampling.
METHOD: Twenty eight women with FM aged 21-60 (M = 39.3, SD = 12.9; consumed MC: N = 16, 57.14%; not consumed MC: N = 12, 42.86%; matched by age and education), completed the following assessments: Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, WebNeuro Cognitive Battery, Observed Tasks of Daily Living-revised, Meaningful Activity Participation Assessment, and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12).
RESULTS: Meaningful participation and mental QOL were associated (r=0.45, p<.05). FM symptoms were correlated with participation and mental QOL (0.47<r<0.49, p<.01), while functional capacity and sleep quality were correlated with physical QOL (0.52<r<0.58, p<.01). Cognitive indices were not consistently associated with the outcomes (0.38<r<0.49, p<.05). The differences were found between those who consumed MC and those who did not in: functional capacity (t(26) = 3.28, p<.01), participation dimensions (2.18<t (26)< 2.28, p<.05), and mental QOL (U= 50, p<.05) in favor of MC group.
CONCLUSIONS: This study expands our understanding on the participation in FM and the association between FM symptoms, participation, and QOL. There is a potential to improve health indices as a result of MC consumption.
IMPACT STATEMENT: Understanding of health indices in FM and factors associated with them has a potential to advance practice with this population.
References
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