Barriers to Healthcare Utilization in Fatiguing Illness
Author Information
Author(s): Lin Jin-Mann S, Brimmer Dana J, Boneva Roumiana S, Jones James F, Reeves William C
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
What are the barriers to healthcare utilization in persons with fatiguing illness?
Conclusion
Barriers to healthcare utilization are significant for individuals with fatiguing illnesses, particularly chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
Supporting Evidence
- 40% of subjects reported at least one barrier to healthcare utilization.
- 55% of subjects with CFS reported at least one barrier.
- Fatiguing status was significantly associated with barriers to healthcare utilization.
Takeaway
Many people with fatigue-related illnesses have trouble getting the healthcare they need because of various barriers like lack of knowledge or access.
Methodology
A cross-sectional population-based survey with 780 subjects, including 112 with chronic fatigue syndrome, using a healthcare utilization questionnaire and logistic regression analysis.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-diagnosis and reliance on self-reported data.
Limitations
The study excluded non-English speakers and may have recall bias in self-reported healthcare utilization.
Participant Demographics
The majority were women (76%), white (71%), with a median age of 45 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI for odds ratios provided in the results
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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