The correlational analysis results.

BackgroundFibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition classified by widespread pain, fatigue, and associated symptoms. Patients with FM are frequently referred to physical therapists, whose knowledge of assessment criteria and management strategies is critical for timely recognition and effective care. Early diagnosis has been shown to improve outcomes, whereas delayed recognition often leads to prolonged suffering and increased healthcare costs.AimThe objective of this study was to examine the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of physical therapists in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with respect to the diagnosis and management of FM.MethodsA cross-sectional self-reported survey was distributed electronically to practicing physical therapists across the UAE. The survey collected demographic data, as well as information on confidence in determining and managing FM, awareness of international guidelines, perceptions of other healthcare providers roles, and knowledge of the risk factors.ResultsA total of 300 physical therapists were invited, and 240 completed the survey and met the inclusion criteria (response rate of 80%). The results revealed a predominantly female workforce, with 73.8% of participants identifying as female. The age of most respondents ranged between 23 and 42 years. Almost half of the participants had less than five years of experience. Nearly two-thirds of participants expressed confidence in diagnosing and managing FM cases. Most participants were unaware of any of the international FM practice guidelines (1990 ACR, 2010 ACR, 2012 Canadian).ConclusionThe findings of this study underscore a concern for a lack of confidence and awareness among physical therapists in the UAE regarding the diagnosis and management of FM cases. Despite a significant proportion of participants reporting experience in managing FM cases, the majority were not familiar with recent FM practice guidelines, indicating potential gaps in knowledge and practice. This study highlights the importance of improving curricular integration of FM content, and greater dissemination of evidence-based guidelines. Addressing these gaps will be essential for promoting earlier diagnosis, reducing delays in management, and improving patient outcomes in the UAE.纤维肌痛症（Fibromyalgia, FM）是一种以广泛疼痛、疲劳及伴随症状为特征的慢性疾病。纤维肌痛症患者常被转诊至物理治疗师处，而物理治疗师对评估标准与管理策略的掌握，对于该病的及时识别与有效诊疗至关重要。已有研究证实，早期诊断可改善患者预后，而延误识别往往会延长患者痛苦并增加医疗成本。 研究目的：本研究旨在调查阿拉伯联合酋长国（United Arab Emirates, UAE）执业物理治疗师针对纤维肌痛症诊断与管理的知识水平、认知观念及态度倾向。 研究方法：本研究采用横断面自我报告式调查设计，通过电子渠道向阿联酋境内所有执业物理治疗师发放调研问卷。问卷内容涵盖受访者人口统计学信息，以及其对纤维肌痛症诊断与管理的信心程度、对国际临床指南的知晓情况、对其他医疗从业者角色的认知，以及相关风险因素的掌握情况。 研究结果：本次调研共邀请300名物理治疗师参与，最终240人完成全部问卷且符合纳入标准，有效回收率达80%。结果显示，受访群体以女性为主，73.8%的受访者自报为女性；多数受访者年龄介于23至42岁之间；近半数受访者的临床从业年限不足5年。约三分之二的受访者表示能够自信地开展纤维肌痛症的诊断与管理工作。但绝大多数受访者并不了解任何现行国际纤维肌痛症临床实践指南，包括1990年美国风湿病学会（American College of Rheumatology, ACR）指南、2010年美国风湿病学会指南及2012年加拿大指南。 研究结论：本研究结果凸显出阿联酋物理治疗师在纤维肌痛症诊断与管理方面存在信心不足与认知匮乏的突出问题。尽管有相当比例的受访者表示曾参与纤维肌痛症的临床管理工作，但多数人并不熟悉最新的纤维肌痛症临床实践指南，这反映出其知识储备与临床实践之间存在潜在差距。本研究强调了加强纤维肌痛症相关内容课程整合，以及推广循证临床指南的必要性。填补此类知识缺口，对于推动阿联酋地区纤维肌痛症的早期诊断、减少诊疗延误及改善患者预后均具有重要意义。