The Impact of a Peer Social Support Network From the Perspective of Women With Fibromyalgia. A Qualitative Study

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 (it facilitated acceptance of the diagnosis and was a source of information); (2) effects on wellbeing and quality of life (it attenuated stigma, improved physical wellbeing, provided emotional support and was a socialization medium); and (3) valuable aspects (it transmitted feelings of being understood and listened to and it increased personal feelings of satisfaction).Conclusions: A peer social support network for women with fibromyalgia exerts positive effects on their physical, mental, and social wellbeing and empowers them to better manage their disease. Healthcare for women with fibromyalgia should include strategies that connect them through peer social support networks.