Exploring daily life of working women with fibromyalgia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to thoroughly explore the lived experience of working women with fibromyalgia. Additionally, this study sought to bridge the gap in local literature from an occupational therapy standpoint. A qualitative study design was implemented to obtain an in-depth exploration of the participants’ daily, lived experiences. The Occupational Science concept and the Person Environment-Occupation Model served as this study’s theoretical frameworks. A purposeful sample of six women with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, all clients from Mater Dei Hospital, were recruited by an opt-in method. Interviews were utilised as data collecting tools. Thematic Analysis was used to analyse data and elicit the emerging themes. Six main themes were highlighted from data analysis. These include ‘Fibromyalgia as an invisible illness and a hidden disability’, ‘Reality of fibromyalgia’, ‘Management of fibromyalgia’, ‘Support and the public perception of fibromyalgia’, ‘The impact of fibromyalgia on employment’ and ‘Effectiveness of support strategies’. Findings of this study revealed that working women with fibromyalgia encounter numerous limitations which hinder their occupational performance leading to an occupational imbalance. The findings of this study highlight that some participants mask their invisible condition to live up to social norms. Conversely, others would rather share their lived experiences with fibromyalgia with the aim of fostering more awareness and to promote more studies within the local context.