Title:
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How individuals with Fibromyalgia manage their memory problems
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Background: Previous studies have reported that there is both objective and subjective
evidence that individuals with Fibromyalgia (FM) suffer from memory problems (Landro et al
1997; Katz et al 2004; Munoz et al 2005). The current literature has not examined how
individuals cope with these difficulties.
Aims of the study: The three aims were to: 1) measure the perceptions of managing
memory problems for a FM population; 2) examine their coping response/strategies to
establish if the responses can be explained by Models of Stress, Coping and Adjustment
(The SRM and Transactional Model of Stress and Coping). 3) To explore the relationships
between memory problems, mood, employment, health and pain.
Methods: A mixed methodology design was adopted, within an internet survey. 100
participants (91 female, 4 males and 5 preferred to not answer) with FM were recruited from
two FM Charity Websites. The modal age of the sample was 51-55 years old. 61 % of
participants were from 'other' countries and 38% from the UK. Eight subjective questions
(with comments) and psychometric tests were employed (Hospital Anxiety Depression
Scale, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Memory Aids Checklist and the Memory Complaint
Questionnaire; and, demographic questions including employment). The questions were
analysed using thematic analysis and inductive/deductive application of two theoretical
models (Self Regulatory Model (Leventhal et al 2003) and Transactional Model of Stress and
Coping (Lazarus et al 1984b). The data from the psychometric tests were analysed using
SPSS (multiple regression and ANOVA).
Results: Six themes emerged from the qualitative data, these were: "external memory
aids"," impact upon daily life", "barriers that impact upon using strategies", "emotional well
being", "other strategies and "denial of memory problems". The evidence from the themes
implies that memory problems had a global impact upon a person's daily life: well being,
home life, employment and coping behaviour. The SRM provided a framework for
explaining the coping process. The Regression data proposed that depression significantly
influenced perceptions of memory problems but not pain or anxiety.
Conclusion: The outcome of this study suggests that both FM and memory problems
impact upon well being by causing difficulties in the home and employment. The six themes
suggest that memory problems can be managed by using external aids, family
members/professionals and hobbies and interests. Recommendations from this research
are that psycho-educational interventions would help to reduce memory problems and
improve well being in this population.
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