Effects of an educational video film in fatigued children and adolescents: a randomised controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
In many cases standard management for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in children and adolescents is ineffective.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of a video film intervention in preventing the development of persistent fatigue and significant school absence in fatigued children and adolescents.


METHODS
Randomised controlled trial.


METHODS
91 patients with fatigue; 50 were randomly assigned to receive the intervention (video film plus usual care) and 41 to usual care only.


METHODS
A video film on CFS and coping behaviour.


METHODS
Self-reported fatigue severity, physical activity, motivation, concentration and school absence.


RESULTS
79 patients had complete data at 12 months (42 in the video film and 37 in the usual care group). Mean fatigue severity and school absenteeism scores did not differ significantly, but in the intervention group the score for reduced motivation was higher (difference 2.9 (CI 0.1 to 5.7), p=0.038). 18% more patients in the intervention compared to the usual care group also had persistent fatigue with significant school absence. The odds of developing persistent fatigue and of missing >50% of school classes was 3.3 times higher in the intervention than in the usual care group (OR 3.3 (CI 1.0 to 11.3), p=0.046).


CONCLUSIONS
This particular video film intervention plus usual care in children and adolescents with unexplained fatigue did not prevent an unfavourable outcome and possibly had an adverse effect in that it reduced motivation and increased the incidence of persistent fatigue with significant school absence. The use of this particular film is not recommended.
Bakker
Rob J
RJ
Department of Pediatrics, Antonius Ziekenhuis, Sneek, The Netherlands. robhelbz@telfort.nl
van de Putte
Elise M
EM
Kuis
Wietse
W
Sinnema
Gerben
G
D000041:Absenteeism; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D001296:Audiovisual Aids; D002648:Child; D018450:Disease Progression; D005221:Fatigue / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D014741:Video Recording