Fibromyalgia: Reviewing the epidemiology and gender-based differences in Africa

Abstract

Objectives: Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder which presents with chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain, together with other symptoms like fatigue, sleep disturbances and cognitive disturbance. The cause remains unclear but it is postulated that there are abnormalities in neurohormonal profile and central sensitization to pain as the main mechanism. It is known to occur more commonly in females than males. This study set out to look at these differences in terms of epidemiology and gender differences.

Data source: We conducted online and public library searches using the English language.

Data extraction: We reviewed several papers and research work focusing on epidemiology and differences in gender presentation. The period of the search was between the years 1990 up to 2020.

Conclusion: Fibromyalgia is a commonly occurring rheumatologic condition. Gender differences exist with regard to epidemiology, clinical presentation and health seeking behaviors. Population based studies would be of use to establish the prevalence in Africa. More studies would be necessary to explain the gender differences noted in the many aspects of the disease including response to treatment.