Physicians’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions Toward Fibromyalgia: A Cross-sectional Study
Rashid Mohamed Hassan Nasr1, Jaber Hamad Jaber Amin2, Mohammed Hammad Jaber Amin3
1Department of General surgery, Atbara Teaching hospital, Atbara, River Nile State, MBBS, Karary University, Omdurman, Khartoum, Sudan, 2Department of Neurosurgery, Atbara Teaching Hospital, Atbara, River Nile State, MBBS, University of Sinnar, Sinnar, Sudan, 3Faculty of Medicine, University of Alzaiem Alzhari, Khartoum, Sudan.
Objective:
This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of FM among Sudanese physicians and identify factors associated with diagnostic proficiency.
Background:
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic syndrome characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive disturbances. Diagnosis is challenging due to the absence of definitive biomarkers and overlapping symptoms with other conditions. Physician knowledge, attitudes, and diagnostic confidence play a crucial role in timely recognition and management, yet data from Sudan are limited.
Design/Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional online survey was conducted from March to August 2025 among 720 physicians in Sudan, including house officers, medical officers, residents, specialists, and consultants. A structured questionnaire assessed demographics, attitudes toward FM, knowledge of diagnostic criteria, symptom recognition, and awareness of treatment modalities. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests to evaluate associations
Results:
Participants were predominantly young (67% aged 25–30), female (62%), and early-career clinicians (54% with <1 year experience). Most recognized FM as a distinct clinical entity (79%), yet 31% considered it primarily psychological. Only 43% felt confident identifying FM symptoms, and 30% could differentiate it from similar conditions. Awareness of American College of Rheumatology (ACR) diagnostic criteria was low (75% unaware of both 1990 and 2010/2016 criteria). Commonly recognized symptoms included fatigue (77%) and widespread pain (66%), while cognitive dysfunction (28%), bowel issues (24%), and kinesiophobia (5%) were poorly identified. Treatment awareness was higher, with 90% supporting combined pharmacological and non-pharmacological management. Higher education, senior hospital positions, greater clinical experience, and participation in multiple knowledge sources or CME programs were associated with better awareness.
Conclusions:
Significant gaps exist in Sudanese physicians’ knowledge and diagnostic confidence regarding FM, particularly among junior clinicians. Misconceptions and limited familiarity with diagnostic criteria contribute to underdiagnosis. Enhancing medical education, promoting continuous professional development, and adopting multidisciplinary management approaches are essential to improve FM care in Sudan.
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