AWARENESS AND ATTITUDE OF PHARMACY UNDERGRADUATES AND GENERAL PUBLIC TOWARDS FIBROMYALGIA, A MISJUDGED SYNDROME

Sadia Zafar*, Syeda Rabab Hassan, Sarah Ahmed, Rutaba Masroor, Zainab Abdul Qadir

The objective of this study was to compare the level of awareness and attitude of Pharmacy Undergraduates and General public towards fibromyalgia and to observe the impact of Fibromyalgia on people’s daily routine. A retrospective study conducted to generate awareness, resolve misconceptions and motivate physicians for necessary measures. A cross sectional survey was conducted by using self administered questionnaire in July, 2013. The data of 200 sample population was then thoroughly analyzed and evaluated. The gender wise high prevalence was found in females and majority belonged to age group 18-25 yrs. Although only 8.5% of total respondents ever attended any informational session about Fibromyalgia. However, 86% of Pharmacy undergraduates had knowledge about Fibromyalgia, It was observed 57% of respondents experienced muscular pain especially in shoulder region. Pain killers were commonly used self medication or prescribed by physicians whereas, antidepressants were the 2nd most opted class of drugs used to treat symptoms. Non seriousness of patients (76%) was observed in following physician’s advice.