Introduction:

An imbalance in the performance or occupational participation can be detrimental to health. To a large extent, this is the case in people diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

Objective:

This research study was carried out in order to determine the occupational performance in people diagnosed with fibromyalgia in the Galician province of A Conma (Spain).

Material and methods:

A qualitative methodology was used, with data being collected through semi-structured interviews and a field notebook. A total of 34 people participated, including those diagnosed, family members and professionals.

Results:

Four themes were identified: (1) «everything costs», (2) «only I know what I can do», (3) «if I don't feel well, I stay», (4) «either they get help or breakdown».

Conclusion:

Following the diagnosis of fibromyalgia people change the characteristics of their occupational performance, both terms of influencing factors, in the way they conduct their activities, and in terms of their environments.

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