KEEPING PATIENTS WITH FIBROMYALGIA AT WORK

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pathology on the rise. Because of the physical and psychological symptoms suffered by its sufferers it represents a major health problem since it has repercussions on both their social and professional quality of life with a direct impact on the business economy and health. Objective: To study the problems posed by FM in the day-to-day lives of workers in order to identify the factors that facilitate and those that hinder their ability to maintain their professional activities and thus their personal development and/or socio-professional reintegration. Methodology: We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with a sample of eleven women diagnosed with FM and working in different companies. Results: Symptom management and recognition of one's limitations are mentioned by our participants as levers for maintaining professional activity. On the other hand the pathology itself hinders the continuation of work. In addition work demands and social support influence job retention in our population.