The Impact of a Peer Social Support Network from the Perspective of Women with Fibromyalgia: A Qualitative Study

Glòria Reig-Garcia, Cristina Bosch-Farré, Rosa Suñer-Soler, Dolors Juvinyà-Canal, Núria Pla-Vila, Rosa Noell-Boix, Esther Boix-Roqueta and Susana Mantas-Jiménez
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Glòria Reig-Garcia: Nursing Department, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
Cristina Bosch-Farré: Nursing Department, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
Rosa Suñer-Soler: Nursing Department, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
Dolors Juvinyà-Canal: Nursing Department, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
Núria Pla-Vila: Institut d’Assistència Sanitària, 17244 Cassà de la Selva, Spain
Rosa Noell-Boix: Nursing Department, University of Vic, 08500 Vic, Spain
Esther Boix-Roqueta: Institut d’Assistència Sanitària, 17244 Cassà de la Selva, Spain
Susana Mantas-Jiménez: Nursing Department, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 23, 1-15

Abstract: Background: Fibromyalgia is a chronic and complex disease whose management by patients requires a high level of commitment. Patient empowerment therefore represents an important milestone in chronic disease treatment and control. We explored the impact of a peer social support network from the perspective of women with fibromyalgia. Methods: A generic qualitative design was proposed for the study, for which women who had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia were purposefully selected. Six semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the collected data were thematically analysed. Results: Three key themes emerged regarding the peer social support network: (1) empowerment (facilitating acceptance of the diagnosis and acting as a source of information); (2) effects on well-being and quality of life (attenuated the stigma, improved physical well-being, provided emotional support and was a socialization medium); and (3), valuable aspects (transmitted feelings of being understood and listened to and increased personal feelings of satisfaction). Conclusions: A peer social support network for women with fibromyalgia exerts positive effects on their physical, mental, and social well-being and empowers them to better manage their disease. Healthcare for women with fibromyalgia should include strategies that connect them through peer social support networks.

Keywords: fibromyalgia; social support; long-term condition; chronic disease; social support network; qualitative study (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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