Comparative Study of Clinical Characteristics and Type of Assistance for Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome Treated in a Public Health System versus Private Medical Care: Relationships to Formal Education and Income

Objective: Determine differences in presentation and treatment among patients treated in public or private systems and establish correlations among symptoms, income, and education status.Methods: Eighty fibromyalgia syndrome patients were studied and equally distributed into groups according to care system: public or private practice. Clinical variables were measured through analogical scales. Income was based on the number of subjects earning only minimum wages and education according to years of formal education.Results: The groups were similar regarding symptoms intensity. There is no correlation between symptoms and family income or education.Conclusions: There is no relation between clinical symptoms and social or economic status.