Association between school absence and physical function in paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalopathy.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate factors associated with school attendance and physical function in paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalopathy (CFS/ME).

METHODS

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Regional specialist CFS/ME service.

METHODS

Children and young people aged under 18 years.

METHODS

Self-reported school attendance and physical function measured using the physical function subscale of the Short Form 36.

METHODS

Linear and logistic regression analysis of data from self-completed assessment forms on children attending a regional specialist service between 2004 and 2007. Analyses were done in two groups of children: with a completed Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS) and with a completed Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

RESULTS

Of 211 children with CFS/ME, 62% attended 40% of school or less. In children with completed SCAS, those with better physical function were more likely to attend school (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.70; 95% CI 1.36 to 2.13). This was also true for those with completed HADS (adjusted OR 2.05; 95% CI 1.4 to 3.01). Increasing fatigue and pain and low mood were associated with worse physical function. There was no evidence that anxiety, gender, age at assessment, family history of CFS/ME or time from onset of symptoms to assessment in clinic were associated with school attendance or physical function.

CONCLUSIONS

Paediatricians should recognise that reduced school attendance is associated with reduced physical function rather than anxiety. Improving school attendance in children with CFS/ME should focus on evidence-based interventions to improve physical function, particularly concentrating on interventions that are likely to reduce pain and fatigue.