Questionnaire Description

The FiRST (Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool) is a brief, self-administered screening tool for the detection of fibromyalgia in patients with diffuse chronic pain. It consists of 6 yes/no questions that assess characteristic symptoms of fibromyalgia. The questionnaire has been translated and culturally adapted into Greek using international translation and adaptation standards (forward and backward translation).

Data Analysis and Use

Data analysis was performed using the SPSS statistical software. Descriptive statistics were used, along with Cronbach’s alpha to assess internal consistency and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) for test-retest reliability. Diagnostic validity was evaluated through ROC analysis, with an AUC of 0.89 (95% CI: 83–95%).

Use of Data

The questionnaire data are used:
For early screening of individuals with potential fibromyalgia.
As a tool in clinical and research settings.
In comparison with other diagnoses, such as osteoarthritis, to assess the discriminative power of the tool.

Objective

The main objective of the questionnaire was the successful validation of the Greek version of FiRST, ensuring its reliable use within the Greek-speaking population for the rapid and effective screening of fibromyalgia.

Calibration

The best diagnostic accuracy was achieved with a score of ≥5, with:
Sensitivity: 85.7%
Specificity: 83.1%
Youden Index: 0.69
This score is considered the recommended threshold for a positive result.

References

Perrot S, Bouhassira D, et al. Pain. 2010;150:250-256.
Wolfe F, Clauw DJ, et al. Arthritis Care Res. 2010;62:600-610.
Torres X, Collado A, et al. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2013;52:2283-2291.
Terwee CB, et al. J Clin Epidemiol. 2007;60:34-42.
Zis P, et al. Pain Pract. 2015;15:627-632.