Knowledge, Beliefs, and Practices Regarding Fibromyalgia Among Family Medicine Physicians and Residents in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background/Objectives: Fibromyalgia (FM) is common but frequently underdiagnosed, and family medicine physicians are usually the first clinicians consulted by affected patients. This study assessed the knowledge, beliefs, and clinical practices regarding FM among family medicine physicians and residents in Saudi Arabia. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional online survey was conducted between July and December 2025 using convenience sampling and a questionnaire adapted from a previously published instrument. Knowledge (0–18) and belief (0–6) scores were reported descriptively, compared across groups with t-tests and analysis of variance, and explored with multivariable linear regression. Results: Of 113 participants (29.4% of the calculated target of 384), 60.2% were junior residents. The mean knowledge score was 9.7 ± 3.32 (53.6% of the maximum) and the mean belief score 4.1 ± 1.23 (67.5%). Only 39.8% knew the American College of Rheumatology criteria, 47.8% regarded FM as primarily psychological, and 39.8% felt confident differentiating FM from similar conditions; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were the most frequently selected drug class (62.8%). Belief scores were higher in academic centres (4.7 ± 1.19 vs. 3.9 ± 1.18; p = 0.002). The regression model was not significant overall (F (13, 99) = 1.476; p = 0.140), and its two nominally significant coefficients did not persist after accounting for collinearity. Conclusions: In this exploratory convenience sample, recognition of FM coexisted with limited command of diagnostic criteria, low diagnostic confidence, and guideline-discordant prescribing. The findings are not nationally representative but identify plausible targets for criteria-based training and continuing medical education.