Women's experiences of fatigue in chronic illness.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this paper is to add a qualitative dimension to the body of knowledge about fatigue by revealing the meaning given by women living with chronic illness to the experience of fatigue.


BACKGROUND
Fatigue is a common symptom experienced by people who live with chronic illness. It pervades every aspect of life and may be experienced in physical, psychological, emotional or social dimensions. Management of fatigue relies heavily on the individual's ability to employ self-care actions. The invisibility of fatigue is recognized as one of the most frustrating aspects, which can lead to lack of understanding and misunderstanding by others.


METHODS
We report the findings of data from research in progress (2003-2005). Data were generated via email group conversations between us and 30 women who live with long-term illness.


RESULTS
A recurring conversational thread has been women's experiences of fatigue when living with long-term illness. Although fatigue has been reported to be a major obstacle to maintaining usual daily activities and quality of life, few studies have explored this common symptom from the perspective of people themselves. Common themes found in the experience of fatigue as described by women are the meaning of fatigue, awareness as self-care, fatigue as invisible to others, seeking medical validation and accountability for self-care.


CONCLUSIONS
It is vital for healthcare workers to give opportunities for women to talk about fatigue, validate their experiences and provide support with self-care. Healthcare workers are encouraged to challenge their own meanings and expectations surrounding a person's report of fatigue so that opportunities for therapeutic intervention can be facilitated.
Kralik
Debbie
D
School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Australia, Royal District Nursing Service of SA Inc Foundation (RDNS), RDNS Research Unit, Glenside, Australia. dkralik@bigpond.net.au
Telford
Kerry
K
Price
Kay
K
Koch
Tina
T
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001364:Awareness; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005221:Fatigue / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012648:Self Care; D012649:Self Concept; D012941:Social Responsibility