The economic impact of chronic fatigue syndrome in Georgia: direct and indirect costs.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating chronic illness affecting at least 4 million people in the United States. Understanding its cost improves decisions regarding resource allocation that may be directed towards treatment and cure, and guides the evaluation of clinical and community interventions designed to reduce the burden of disease.

Methods

This research estimated direct and indirect costs of CFS and the impact on educational attainment using a population-based, case-control study between September 2004 and July 2005, Georgia, USA. Participants completed a clinical evaluation to confirm CFS, identify other illnesses, and report on socioeconomic factors. We estimated the effect of CFS on direct medical costs (inpatient hospitalizations, provider vi

SUBMITTER: Lin JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3033815 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature