Table 1.
Characteristics of the sample.
| Characteristic (n = 31) | Mean (SD), Range or Number and Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Age in years | 43.5 (13.38), range = 21–68 |
| Age of onset of the first symptoms | 34.8 (12.06), range = 17–59 |
| Age of diagnosis | 38.5 (11.44), range = 20–60 |
| Symptom duration before Diagnosis | 3.2 (3.91), range = 0–11 |
| Marital status | |
| Married or cohabiting | 13 (41.9) |
| Divorced | 6 (19.4) |
| Widowed | 2 (6.5) |
| Single | 10 (32.3) |
| Highest level of completed education | |
| Incomplete secondary education | 4 (12.9) |
| Complete secondary education | 7 (22.6) |
| Incomplete university education | 2 (6.5) |
| Complete university education | 14 (45.2) |
| Postgraduate | 4 (12.9) |
| Self-report of symptoms | |
| Eye dryness | 23 (74.2) |
| Oral dryness | 23 (74.2) |
| Muscle/Joint pain | 16 (51.6) |
| Fatigue | 9 (29.0) |
| Parotiditis | 6 (19.4) |
| Vaginal dryness | 5 (16.1) |
| Dry skin | 4 (12.9) |
| Respiratory problems | 3 (9.8) |
| Eye problems | 3 (9.8) |
| Dry nose | 3 (9.8) |
| Dental problems | 2 (6.5) |
| Dysphagia | 1 (3.2) |