Chronic fatigue syndrome and occupational status: a retrospective longitudinal study.
Chronic fatigue syndrome
employment
mental disorders
occupation
treatment outcomes
well-being
Journal
Occupational medicine (Oxford, England)
ISSN: 1471-8405
Titre abrégé: Occup Med (Lond)
Pays: England
ID NLM: 9205857
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
19 04 2022
19 04 2022
Historique:
pubmed:
6
12
2021
medline:
21
4
2022
entrez:
5
12
2021
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Few studies into chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) have emphasized work-related consequences, including return to work after illness. This paper explores socio-demographic, work and clinical characteristics that are associated with occupational status among patients who were assessed at baseline and a follow-up point. Longitudinal data were assessed from patients affected by CFS who attended an outpatient CFS treatment service between 2007 and 2014. Employment status at baseline and follow-up was available for 316 patients. Data were also included on gender, age, duration of CFS, fatigue severity, type and number of treatment sessions, coping strategies, functional impairment, common mental disorders and physical functioning. Most patients were female (73%) and had been affected by CFS for longer than 2 years (66%). Patients were followed up for an average of 285 days and over this period 53% of patients who were working remained in employment. Of the patients who were not working at baseline, 9% had returned to work at follow-up. However, of those working at baseline, 6% were unable to continue to work at follow-up. Age, fatigue severity, functional impairment, cognitive and behavioural responses, and depressive symptoms impacted on a patients' work status at follow-up. The findings indicated that it is possible for people with CFS to remain in work or return to work, despite having had a disabling illness. Work-related outcomes should be targeted in all people of working age.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
Few studies into chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) have emphasized work-related consequences, including return to work after illness.
AIMS
This paper explores socio-demographic, work and clinical characteristics that are associated with occupational status among patients who were assessed at baseline and a follow-up point.
METHODS
Longitudinal data were assessed from patients affected by CFS who attended an outpatient CFS treatment service between 2007 and 2014. Employment status at baseline and follow-up was available for 316 patients. Data were also included on gender, age, duration of CFS, fatigue severity, type and number of treatment sessions, coping strategies, functional impairment, common mental disorders and physical functioning.
RESULTS
Most patients were female (73%) and had been affected by CFS for longer than 2 years (66%). Patients were followed up for an average of 285 days and over this period 53% of patients who were working remained in employment. Of the patients who were not working at baseline, 9% had returned to work at follow-up. However, of those working at baseline, 6% were unable to continue to work at follow-up. Age, fatigue severity, functional impairment, cognitive and behavioural responses, and depressive symptoms impacted on a patients' work status at follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings indicated that it is possible for people with CFS to remain in work or return to work, despite having had a disabling illness. Work-related outcomes should be targeted in all people of working age.
Identifiants
pubmed: 34865116
pii: 6453039
doi: 10.1093/occmed/kqab170
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
177-183Subventions
Organisme : Department of Health
Pays : United Kingdom
Commentaires et corrections
Type : CommentIn
Type : CommentIn
Informations de copyright
© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Occupational Medicine. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.