ArticleClinical rheumatology2026
Diagnostic accuracy and psychometric properties of the fibromyalgia rapid screening tool in Mexican patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Article in Clinical rheumatology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundThe Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool (FiRST) is a brief questionnaire designed to screen for fibromyalgia (FM).
objectiveTo assess the diagnostic accuracy and psychometric properties of FiRST in Mexican patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP).
methodsThis cross-sectional validation study included patients who met the 2016 ACR criteria for FM and controls with other rheumatic diseases. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and Youden's index. The construct, criterion, and known-groups validity were tested using correlations and predefined hypotheses. Rasch analysis was used to evaluate item fit, dimensionality, local dependence, targeting, reliability, and differential item functioning (DIF).
resultsA total of 1307 patients were analyzed (FM = 319; non-FM = 988). A cutoff of ≥ 5 resulted in the best diagnostic balance (sensitivity, 84.3%; specificity, 76.4%). Construct validity was supported, with 93% of hypotheses being confirmed. Rasch analysis indicated unidimensionality, acceptable item fit, minimal local dependence, and minimal sex-related DIF. Person-item maps showed adequate targeting of moderate-to-severe cases but lower precision for milder symptoms. A ceiling effect was observed, with some patients clustering at the maximum score, limiting discrimination among the most severe cases.
conclusionsFiRST showed acceptable validity and diagnostic accuracy for FM screening in Mexican patients with CMP. A cutoff of ≥ 5 is recommended, although additional items may be needed to improve sensitivity at both ends of the FM severity spectrum. Key Points • FiRST showed good diagnostic and psychometric performance. • The FiRST exhibited limitations, including ceiling effects and a restricted item distribution. The tool could benefit from the addition of more difficult items to assess varying disease severity levels better. • In clinical settings, a negative FIRST result provides high confidence in ruling out fibromyalgia, whereas a positive result requires further evaluation.
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