What is the occupational impact of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome for adults living in Australia?

Journal article


Thomas, Roshni, Hughes, Julie Lesley and Kotzur, Cheryl. (2024). What is the occupational impact of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome for adults living in Australia? British Journal of Occupational Therapy. 87(10), pp. 636-644. https://doi.org/10.1177/03080226241254720
AuthorsThomas, Roshni, Hughes, Julie Lesley and Kotzur, Cheryl
Abstract

Introduction:
Occupational recovery for people living with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome requires better assessment and understanding of the occupational impact of this debilitating condition. This study explores the lived experience of Australian adults with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome using the Model of Human Occupation.

Methods:
The research design was a cross-sectional descriptive study, and participants were recruited via social media to complete an online survey. A Model of Human Occupation Tool, The Occupational Self-Assessment, captured an individual’s perceptions of occupational identity and competence.

Results:
Results were analysed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests. The free-text responses were summarised. Twenty-nine participants completed the Occupational Self-Assessment. A decrease in occupational participation across all domains was evident. Qualitative themes of loneliness, feeling confined, feeling like a burden and loss of previous life/roles were collated, showing an adverse impact on occupational identity. A lack of independence and control showed a reduction in occupational competence.

Conclusions:
The study confirmed the impact of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome on occupational identity and competence. These individuals struggled with occupational adaptation and would benefit from occupational support. Occupational therapists could use the Occupational Self-Assessment to identify areas of need, set goals and facilitate better occupational adaptation.

Keywordschronic fatigue syndrome; model of human occupation; participation; occupational adaptation; occupational self-assessment
Year2024
JournalBritish Journal of Occupational Therapy
Journal citation87 (10), pp. 636-644
PublisherSAGE Publications
ISSN0308-0226
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1177/03080226241254720
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85199358861
Page range636-644
Publisher's version
License
All rights reserved
File Access Level
Controlled
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online24 Jun 2024
Publication process dates
Deposited06 May 2025
Additional information

© The Author(s) 2024.

Permalink -

https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/91v5q/what-is-the-occupational-impact-of-myalgic-encephalomyelitis-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-for-adults-living-in-australia

Restricted files

Publisher's version

  • 0
    total views
  • 0
    total downloads
  • 0
    views this month
  • 0
    downloads this month
These values are for the period from 19th October 2020, when this repository was created.

Export as

Related outputs

Using time diaries to inform occupational therapy practice for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome : An exploratory study
Roxburgh, Rachel, Hughes, Julie Lesley and Milgate, Wendy Ann. (2024). Using time diaries to inform occupational therapy practice for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome : An exploratory study. British Journal of Occupational Therapy. 87(9), pp. 583-592. https://doi.org/10.1177/03080226241249279
Therapeutic groups run for community-dwelling people with acquired brain injury : A scoping review
Kotzur, Cheryl, Patterson, Freyr, Harrington, Rosamund, Went, Samantha and Froude, Elspeth. (2023). Therapeutic groups run for community-dwelling people with acquired brain injury : A scoping review. Disability and Rehabilitation. pp. 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2023.2283099
The impact of face-to-face mental health consumer-led teaching on occupational therapy student empathy levels : Two group comparison design
Logan, Alexandra, Yule, Elisa, Hughes, Julie, Peters, Dave, Hadley, Melanie, Betts, Brodie, Jones, Lee and Froude, Elspeth. (2022). The impact of face-to-face mental health consumer-led teaching on occupational therapy student empathy levels : Two group comparison design. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal. 69(6), pp. 703-713. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12833
Living with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome : Experiences of occupational disruption for adults in Australia
Bartlett, Chelsea, Hughes, Julie L. and Miller, Laura. (2022). Living with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome : Experiences of occupational disruption for adults in Australia. British Journal of Occupational Therapy. 85(4), pp. 241-250. https://doi.org/10.1177/03080226211020656
Chronic fatigue syndrome and occupational disruption in primary care: Is there a role for occupational therapy?
Hughes, Julie L.. (2009). Chronic fatigue syndrome and occupational disruption in primary care: Is there a role for occupational therapy? British Journal of Occupational Therapy. 72(1), pp. 2 - 10. https://doi.org/10.1177/030802260907200102