Associations between daily routines and social support among women with chronic fatigue syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterised by extreme fatigue, as well as physical and cognitive symptoms. CFS is thrice as prevalent in women than in men.

OBJECTIVE: To compare women with and without CFS concerning social support and participation in daily routine occupations, and to assess the relationships between the two variables among women with CFS.

METHODS: This study included 110 women aged 24-69: 41 were diagnosed with CFS and 64 were not diagnosed with CFS. Participants completed the Occupational Questionnaire and the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Social Support Survey.

RESULTS: Women with CFS reported lower participation in instrumental activities of daily living and work occupations than women without CFS. However, they spend more time resting and enjoying it. In addition, they reported less social support than women without CFS. Positive correlations were found between the number of close friends and time spent in play and leisure occupations and a negative correlation with sleep/rest.

CONCLUSIONS: Women with CFS participate less in IADL and work occupations and more in rest/sleep than women without CFS and their social support is attenuated.

SIGNIFICANCE: Intervention plans should be developed for women with CFS, focussing on expanding their participation while considering their social support resources.