8287754 Disabling fibromyalgia in Brazil: an ecological study of social security benefits (2014–2024)

<h3>Objectives</h3> Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that affects quality of life and work ability. This study aimed to describe the frequency and characteristics of disability benefits granted due to fibromyalgia in Brazil between 2014 and 2024. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> Ecological study using public data from the Brazilian Social Security Statistical Yearbook (2014 - 2024). Including all disability benefits granted under the ICD-10 code M79 (Other Soft Tissue Disorders, Not Elsewhere Classified), which includes fibromyalgia (ICD M79.7). Benefits were analyzed by type (work-related or non-work-related), duration (temporary or permanent), and sex. <h3>Results</h3> Between 2014 and 2024, 100,113 disability benefits were granted: 4,093 (4.1%) work-related and 96,020 (95.9%) non-work-related. Among work-related cases, 3,994 (97.6%) were temporary and 99 (2.4%) permanent. For non-work-related cases, 94,166 (98.0%) were temporary and 1,854 (2.0%) permanent. Most benefits (80.0%) were granted to women. Numbers peaked in 2024 (27,776) and 2023 (12,952), together accounting 40.6% of the total. From 2014 to 2019 and 2021 to 2022 numbers remained relatively stable (mean: 7,255; SD: 1,091). In 2020, there was a sharp decline (2,881; -60.3%) due to COVID-19 pandemic and suspension of in-person medical assessments at the Brazilian Social Security Institute (INSS). Activities resumed later that year, and in 2023, a new online document-based evaluation system was introduced. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Most disability benefits due to fibromyalgia were temporary, non-work-related, and to women. The low rate of permanent benefits reflects fibromyalgia’s fluctuating course, with symptom exacerbation and remission without physical sequelae. Establishing an occupational link is complex, which may explain the small proportion of work-related benefits. These findings underscore the need to prevent work disability in people with fibromyalgia—especially women—by adapting occupational demands through physical, cognitive and organizational ergonomic strategies individually.