Session Information
Title: Fibromyalgia, Soft Tissue Disorders, Regional and Specific Clinical Pain Syndromes: Research Focus
Session Type: Abstract Submissions (ACR)
Background/Purpose
Chronic pain, disturbed sleep and fatigue, as well as anxiety and depression, are symptoms characteristic of the fibromyalgia syndrome. These symptoms, as well as the syndrome itself, have often been associated with the effect of traumatic life events, as well as with external stress. Cognitive parameters, such as internal locus of control, are considered to have a positive effect on fibromyalgia symptoms, can be correlated with neuroimaging findings and are considered a target of cognitive behavioral therapy. On the other hand, spirituality and religiosity, characteristics which imply reliance on an external source of strength, are considered to be sources of resilience in the face of adversity.
The effect of religiosity on the spectrum of symptoms characteristic of fibromyalgia is not known.
Objective: To evaluate the effect of extreme religiosity on symptoms characteristic of the fibromyalgia syndrome in an Israeli population survey.
Methods
As part of a broader study, a telephone survey was conducted among 2030 Individuals residing in two Israeli towns, Sderot and Ofakim. As previously reported, these two similar populations were chosen to represent two basic conditions, i.e. a state of ongoing stress caused by continues cross – border missile attacks on Sderot, versus a state of relative normal conditions (Ofakim).
As part of the study protocol, individuals responding to the survey were questioned regarding their religious orientation. Individuals were thus ranked as belonging to either “Haredi” (ultra – orthodox) Jewish level of religiosity, “Orthodox”, and “religious” “conservative – religious”, “conservative – not religious” or “secular”. Haredi Jews belong to a highly traditional and relatively homogeneous religious group and adhere to strict traditions which encompass every aspect of life (e.g. clothing, diet etc).
Individuals were additionally questioned regarding the presence of symptoms including pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, irritable bowel etc. Responses were ranked on a scale between 0 (no symptom present) and 10 (extreme symptom present).
Results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey post- hoc test for multiple comparisons, using SPSS-17 software.
Results
Haredi individuals (174), reported significantly lower levels of sleep disturbances (mean 224) compared to all other individuals (total – 1780) (P<0.01).
Haredi individuals reported significantly lower levels of pain (mean – 2.9 vs. 3.7) lower levels of anxiety (mean 2.7 vs 4.5) and depression (mean – 1.2 vs 2.8) as compared with all other groups (p<0.01). No significant difference in the rate of IBS symptoms was observed.
Conclusion
Ultra-orthodox religiosity may be associated with reduced levels of symptoms, including pain, sleep disorders as well as anxiety and depression and may modulate the effect of stress and trauma on these symptoms. These results constitute a novel aspect in the analysis of the effects of locus-of-control and belief on these symptoms and on the association between religious faith and resilience. Further research may shed additional light on the role of spirituality /religious faith and on the mechanisms involved in these apparent protective effects.
Disclosure:
V. Aloush,
None;
J. N. Ablin,
None.
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ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/ultra-orthodox-religious-orientation-associated-with-reduced-rates-of-pain-anxiety-and-fatigue-in-a-population-based-study/