Impact of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome on Patients and Carers
Author Information
Author(s): Luis C Nacul, Eliana M Lacerda, Peter Campion, Derek Pheby, Maria de L Drachler, José C Leite, Fiona Poland, Amanda Howe, Shagufta Fayyaz, Mariam Molokhia
Primary Institution: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Hypothesis
Functional status and well being of people with ME/CFS are significantly compromised and quality of life of carers is also affected.
Conclusion
ME/CFS is disabling and has a greater impact on functional status and well being than other chronic diseases such as cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- SF-36 scores in PWME were significantly reduced, especially within the physical domain.
- Carers of those with ME/CFS tended to have low scores in relation to population norms.
- The emotional burden of ME/CFS is felt by lay carers as well as by people with ME/CFS.
Takeaway
People with ME/CFS feel very tired and have a hard time doing everyday things, and their family members who care for them also feel stressed and tired.
Methodology
Cross-sectional study using SF-36 v2™ to assess functional status and well being of 170 people with ME/CFS and 44 carers.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to the response rate of carers.
Limitations
Response rate for carers was not particularly high, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
170 ME/CFS cases aged 18-64, 78% female; 44 carers, majority were husbands, wives, or partners.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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