fatigue syndrome.
Journal: Disability & Rehabilitation, 33(7), 589-98.
Authors: Jason, L. A., Brown, M., Evans, M., Anderson, V., Lerch, A.,
Brown, A., Hunnell, J., & Porter, N. (2011).
Affiliation: Leonard A. Jason, Ph.D. Director, Center for Community
Research DePaul University 990 W. Fullerton Ave., Suite 3100 Chicago,
Il. 60614 773-325-2018
NLM Citation: PMID: 20617920
Abstract
PURPOSE: All the major current case definitions for chronic fatigue
syndrome (CFS) specify substantial reductions in previous levels of
occupational, educational, social, or personal activities to meet
criteria. Difficulties have been encountered in operationalizing
'substantial reductions.' For example, the Medical Outcomes Study Short
Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) has been used to determine whether
individuals met the CFS disability criterion. However, previous methods
of using the SF-36 have been prone to including people without
substantial reductions in key areas of physical functioning when
diagnosing CFS. This study sought to empirically identify the most
appropriate SF-36 subscales for measuring substantial reductions in
patients with CFS.
METHOD: The SF-36 was administered to two samples of patients with CFS:
one recruited from tertiary care and the other a community-based sample;
as well as a non-fatigued control group. Receiver operating
characteristics were used to determine the optimal cutoff scores for
identifying patients with CFS.
RESULTS: The SF-36 Role-Emotional subscale had the worst sensitivity and
specificity, whereas the Vitality, Role-Physical, and Social Functioning
subscales had the best sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSION: Based on
the evidence from this study, the potential criteria for defining
substantial reductions in functioning and diagnosing CFS is provided.
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