Exploratory study into the relationship between the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and fibromyalgia (FM) using a quasiexperimental design

Mckay, Pamela G; Walker, Helen; Martin, Colin R.; Fleming, Mick

doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041947

Exploratory study into the relationship between the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and fibromyalgia (FM) using a quasiexperimental design

Mckay, Pamela G; Walker, Helen; Martin, Colin R.; Fleming, Mick

Authors

Pamela G Mckay

Helen Walker

Colin R. Martin

Mick Fleming

Abstract

Objective To explore the relationship between symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and fibromyalgia (FM). The hypothesis predicated that there would be no significant differences between the group’s symptom experience.

Design A quasiexperimental design. Structural equation modelling (SEM) and invariance testing.

Participants Males (M) and females (F) >16 with a confirmed diagnosis of CFS/ME or FM by a general practitioner or specialist. CFS/ME (n=101, F: n=86, M: n=15, mean (M) age M=45.5 years). FM (n=107, F: n=95, M: n=12, M=47.2 years).

Outcome measures Diagnostic criteria: the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for CFS/ME and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for FM. Additional symptom questionnaires measuring: pain, sleep quality, fatigue, quality of life, anxiety and depression, locus of control and self-esteem.

Results Invariance was confirmed with the exception of the American CDC Symptom Inventory, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (p

Citation

Mckay, P. G., Walker, H., Martin, C. R., & Fleming, M. (2021). Exploratory study into the relationship between the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and fibromyalgia (FM) using a quasiexperimental design. BMJ open, 11(2), Article e041947. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041947

Journal Article Type	Article
Acceptance Date	Jan 13, 2021
Online Publication Date	Feb 1, 2021
Publication Date	2021-02
Deposit Date	Feb 16, 2021
Publicly Available Date	Feb 16, 2021
Journal	BMJ Open
Print ISSN	2044-6055
Publisher	BMJ Publishing Group
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	11
Issue	2
Article Number	e041947
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041947
Keywords	General Medicine
Public URL	https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3725637

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