Questionnaire Description

The FIQR (Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire) is a validated self-report tool designed to assess the severity of symptoms and the impact of fibromyalgia on patients’ lives. It is a revision of the original FIQ and includes a total of 21 questions divided into three main domains: Function (9 questions), Overall Impact (2 questions), and Symptoms (10 questions). Each question is scored from 0 (not at all) to 10 (very much), providing a quantitative measure of the burden caused by the condition on the patient’s daily functionality and psychosomatic state.

Data Analysis and Use

The processing of responses is based on a three-part calculation. The average of the 9 Function domain questions is multiplied by 3.33. The two Overall Impact questions are added together. The average of the 10 Symptom domain questions is multiplied by 1.67. The sum of these three values yields the total FIQR score, which ranges from 0 to 100. The higher the score, the greater the impact of fibromyalgia on the patient’s quality of life.

Use of Data

The data obtained from the FIQR can be used for clinical monitoring of symptom progression, evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions, comparing population groups in research settings, and designing personalized treatment strategies. The systematic use of the questionnaire enables objective measurement of disease progression and supports evidence-based decision-making.

Objective

The main goal of the FIQR is to provide a valid, reliable, and easy-to-understand tool for measuring the burden of fibromyalgia. It aims to improve assessment accuracy compared to the earlier FIQ version and to enhance its usefulness both in clinical practice and scientific research. Additionally, it empowers patients by allowing them to accurately document their daily experiences.

Scoring Example

To clarify the scoring process, here is an example. If the average score in the Function domain is 4.2, multiply it by 3.33, resulting in 13.99. If the responses in the Overall Impact domain are 7 and 6, the sum is 13. If the average in the Symptoms domain is 5.5, multiply it by 1.67, yielding 9.18. The total FIQR score in this case is 13.99 + 13 + 9.18 = 36.17.

References

Bennett RM et al. (2009). The Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR): validation and psychometric properties. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 11(4), R120.
Häuser W et al. (2010). Assessment of fibromyalgia: validity, reliability and responsiveness of the FIQR. Journal of Rheumatology, 37(3), 600–610.
Wolfe F et al. (2010). The American College of Rheumatology preliminary diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia and measurement of symptom severity. Arthritis Care & Research, 62(5), 600–610..