["I want to remain active": Women suffering from fibromyalgia strategies to conduct basic, instrumental, and advanced daily activities].

Abstract

Correspondencia · Corresponding Author Carolina Climent Sanz E-mail: carol.climent@udl.cat Abstract Purpose: Fibromyalgia symptoms can significantly limit a person's ability to function and participate in daily activities, such as work. Exploring patients' perceptions of the impact of fibromyalgia symptoms on functionality can provide valuable insight into their coping strategies and needs to remain active. This study aims to describe the strategies and adaptations women with fibromyalgia use to carry out basic, instrumental, and advanced activities of daily living. Methods: Qualitative study based on personal interviews with 25 women diagnosed with fibromyalgia. A thematic analysis was conducted following the classification of activities of daily living into basic (movement and moving around, personal hygiene and getting dressed), instrumental (cleaning, housekeeping, and shopping), and advanced (work).  Results: Due to the functional impact of symptoms in all activities of daily living, women with fibromyalgia introduced different compensatory strategies, support products, and modifications in the environment or task to increase their level of occupational competence. Introducing adaptations in the public space is a challenge, and work is a source of distress, either because it has disappeared or because of the effort to carry it out satisfactorily. Conclusion: Healthcare professionals caring for women with fibromyalgia should recognize the impact of fibromyalgia on patients' functionality and employ strategies to improve their adaptation, as well as facilitate the assessment of sick leave.