Experiences of pain in paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a single-centre qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Moderate to severe pain affects up to two-thirds of children with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and is associated with worse fatigue and physical functioning. This research aims to gain a greater insight into pain experienced by these children.

Methods

Thematic analysis of qualitative data from semistructured interviews with 13 children with CFS/ME (mean age=15.3 years, 67% female) was completed.

Results

Thematic analysis enabled construction of three themes: children's wide-ranging experiences of pain, negative impact of pain and lack of effective treatment for pain and nine subthemes. The first theme demonstrated highly varied pain experiences, ranging from 'like [being]… on fire', like 'being stabbed' to 'like…lead'. Childre

SUBMITTER: Serafimova T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8852759 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature