A national assessment of the service, support, and housing preferences by persons with chronic fatigue syndrome. Toward a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
Persons with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (PWCs) completed and returned by mail a brief survey of open- and closed-ended items designed to assess their utilization and preferences for a variety of services. A total of 984 middle-aged adults diagnosed with Chronic Fatique Syndrome (CFS) from across North America returned the survey. During the past 12 months, many of these PWCs reported utilization of a primary care physician, gynecologist, CFS specialist, and self-help group to assist in their recovery from CFS. Most PWCs believed it was important to educate both health-care practitioners and the general public about CFS. In terms of their desire for specific recovery needs, factor analysis of responses indicated that these PWCs preferred self-help/social support services and general advocacy services in the treatment of their illness. The implications of these results for developing rehabilitation programs for PWCs are discussed.
Jason
L A
LA
Department of Psychology, DePaul University, Chicago, IL 60614, USA.
Ferrari
J R
JR
Taylor
R R
RR
Slavich
S P
SP
Stenzel
C L
CL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009656:North America; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires