Service Utilization, Barriers to Service Access, and Coping in Adults with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Abstract

Objective: In a sample of 47 adults with CFS, we aimed to describe patterns of service utilization, identify barriers to service access, and explore the relationship between service utilization and coping styles.Method: A questionnaire assessing service utilization frequency and barriers to service access was administered to a sample of 47 individuals with CFS. The Illness Management Questionnaire was used to assess relationships between coping styles and service utilization.Results: A Cochran's Q test of homogeneity revealed that medical and CFS self-help services were most frequently used and rehabilitation services were least frequently used. In terms of service accessibility,80.9% of participants reported at least one barrier. Lack of financial (including insurance) resources and lack of knowledge about service availability were the two most frequently reported. In terms of coping styles, symptom focusing was positively associated with use of CFS self-help services and with use of in-home services and social service agencies. Information seeking was negatively associated with use of in-home and social service agencies and with use of mental health services.Conclusion: These findings can be used by health-care professionals and advocacy-based organizations to develop programs focused on mass education campaigns for health-care providers, increase knowledge of service availability among individuals with CFS, and to understand relationships between certain types of coping styles and service preferences.