Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42116043›Full record

ArticleBMC health services research2026

Healthcare providers' perceptions of fibromyalgia management in Kuwait: a descriptive comparative study.

Feddah Musaed Ahmad, Mariam Al Mutairi, Methawi Al Fadhli

Abstract readComparative Study
In one paragraph

Article in BMC health services research, 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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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

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PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Feddah Musaed AhmadOccupational Therapy Department, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait. Feddah.ahmad@ku.edu.kw.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3069-3756
Mariam Al MutairiPhysical Therapy Department, Al Razi Orthopedic Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
Methawi Al FadhliOccupational Therapy Department, Ibn Sina Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait City, Kuwait.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundFibromyalgia (FM) is a complex chronic pain condition that poses diagnostic and management challenges worldwide. In Kuwait, limited awareness, cultural perceptions, and systemic barriers may affect the quality of FM care. This study examined healthcare practitioners' perceptions, diagnostic strategies, and management approaches to identify gaps in rehabilitation services.

methodsA descriptive comparative study was conducted among 112 healthcare practitioners from public and private sectors. Data was collected using a survey instrument adapted from existing sources and validated within the present study to assess perceptions, diagnostic methods, treatment strategies, and barriers to FM management. Descriptive statistics and Pearson chi-square tests were used to assess associations between demographics, training, specialization, and clinical decision-making.

resultsOf the participants, 35.7% reported experience treating FM. Most were rehabilitation professionals (60.7%), female (82.1%), and trained in Kuwait (81.3%). Significant differences in FM management were found based on education, specialization, and years of experience (p < 0.05). Practitioners demonstrated variable confidence in diagnosing and treating FM, with reliance on traditional diagnostic criteria despite international updates. Notable gaps were observed in rehabilitation services, multidisciplinary collaboration, and adherence to evidence-based guidelines.

conclusionFM care in Kuwait is limited by educational gaps, inconsistent diagnostic practices, and insufficient multidisciplinary collaboration. Strengthening continuous education, adopting updated guidelines, and enhancing coordination between physicians, rehabilitation specialists, and mental health professionals are essential. System-wide interventions could improve FM diagnosis, management, and patient outcomes. Future research should involve larger, longitudinal studies to address evolving challenges in FM care.

Indexed as

Attitude of Health PersonnelFibromyalgiaHealth PersonnelAdultFemaleHumansKuwaitMaleMiddle AgedSurveys and QuestionnairesFibromyalgiaHealthcare perceptionsKuwaitOccupational therapyPain managementPhysical therapyRehabilitation services

Identifiers

PMID42116043
PMCPMC13339375

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.