From the horse's mouth : demystifying the experiences of living with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Date
2011-04-14
Authors
Lee, Bronwen
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Abstract
There has been an increasing awareness and investigation of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
While there has been extensive debate as to what it is called, what the symptoms include, and
how to treat them, the experiences of people living with the syndrome have largely been lost
and unheard. Such research could be beneficial in facilitating the identification of supportive
interventions designed to improve the mental health quality of life of this population. The
present study sought to explore the experiences of people living with CFS internationally, as
well as locally. Using a qualitative research paradigm, the posts of participants on a Facebook
group for people with CFS were analysed using thematic content analysis to pick up
prominent themes. At the same time a focus group was conducted locally in South Africa.
The findings highlight the challenges of living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and
implications for future research are discussed.