Sustained illness burden over time among Australians with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a disabling chronic illness. Many people with ME/CFS (pwME/CFS) are unable to continue employment and require support to complete activities of daily living. Despite this, ME/CFS remains unrecognised as a disability in Australia. The present study aimed to highlight the profound burdens experienced by pwME/CFS over time to provide evidence of permanency and necessitate reforms to Australian healthcare policies.

Methods

Data were collected for this longitudinal investigation between 1st October 2021 and 3rd October 2024. All participants were Australian residents aged between 18 and 65 years fulfilling the Canadian or International Consensus Criteria. Sociodemographic information, medical history, illne

SUBMITTER: Weigel B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12747376 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature