Fibromyalgia Syndrome among Men and Women: Symptom Identification, Diagnosis, and Concurrence in a Nationally Representative Sample

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is characterized by chronic musculoskeletal pain and, no reliable biomarkers, diagnosis is difficult. While predominantly identified in women, men are also affected. This study examined FMS prevalence and racial/ethnic differences in clinical characteristics by gender.

We identified respondents in the 2018 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) whose symptomology matched the 2016 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) diagnostic criteria. The relative likelihood of having “identified FMS,” “clinically diagnosed FMS”, and “concurrently identified-diagnosed FMS” among men and women reporting pain was compared by demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic characteristic.

Analyses indicated different characteristics were associated with identified, diagnosed, and concurrent FMS among women and men. Among both women and men, the likelihood of identified FMS was comparatively higher among those at older ages, living in the South, and with higher body masses. Both women and men earning less than $100,000 had a higher likelihood of FMS identification compared to higher earners; however, the likelihood of being diagnosed with FMS was not correlated with income. While Black women were significantly more likely than White women to be identified as having FMS, they were less likely to have an FMS diagnosis. Black men were significantly more likely to be identified as having FMS, but less likely to have an FMS diagnosis. Compared to White women, Black and Hispanic women had a lower likelihood of concurrent FMS.

Results showed lower incidence rates of males with FMS. Unexplained racial differences in FMS diagnosis, identification, and concurrence warrant further research.