Prevalence of fibromyalgia in physiotherapy students in Brazil

• Grant number: 25/11632-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Amélia Pasqual Marques
• Grantee: Raul de Andrade Pinheiro Saraiva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic syndrome characterized by severe, diffuse and chronic musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disorders, cognitive impairment (difficulty in conscious intellectual activities, such as memory and reasoning), headache, depression, abdominal discomfort and psychological disorders. It affects up to 6.6% of the population, with a higher prevalence in women. Due to their extensive routine and academic stress, physiotherapy students are particularly vulnerable to painful processes and psychological disorders. There is a lack of specific studies on the prevalence of fibromyalgia in physiotherapy students, especially in Brazil, highlighting the need for research that contributes to future preventive actions. Objective: This research aims to estimate the prevalence of fibromyalgia in physiotherapy students in Brazil. Method: This is a cross-sectional study to be conducted in all Brazilian states. Students will be invited to answer a virtual questionnaire, through the Google Forms platform, which will contain the following content: sociodemographic and academic data, and the American College of Rheumatology's fibromyalgia classification criteria, revised version of 2016 (Widespread Pain Index and Symptom Severity Scale), to assess the presence of fibromyalgia. In addition, after students complete the questionnaire, those classified as having fibromyalgia will be invited to answer the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ-R) to assess the impact of fibromyalgia on their quality of life. Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, and associations between each outcome variable and the independent variables will be analyzed using specific tests. Expected results: The prevalence of fibromyalgia is expected to be considerably high compared to the general population, and this study may contribute to proposing welcoming and preventive actions. (AU)