Abstract
The objectives of this study were (1) evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS); (2) to compare the HRQL of these patients with that of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and healthy Spanish reference population values (RPV); and (3) to identify the influence of sociodemographic and clinical variables on HRQL in CFS patients. We included 216 outpatients: 94 females/14 males (age 42.9 ± 9.9 years) with CFS and 94 females/14 males with RA (age 42.9 ± 9.9 years). We used a cross-sectional, observational design. Sociodemographic data, comorbidities, pain (VAS) and global functional status were determined. HRQL was measured by the SF-36 and HAQ questionnaires.
CFS patients had worse scores than RA patients in all SF36 dimensions except emotional role (p < 0.01). Both CFS and RA patients had worse scores in all SF36 dimensions than RPV. In CFS patients, pain negatively influenced HRQL (p < 0.05) except for physical role, social function and emotional role. Global functional status negatively influenced HRQL (p < 0.05) except for bodily pain, general health and mental health. Comorbidities worsened scores for physical and social functions and mental health. In conclusion, HRQL was worse in patients with CFS than in those with RA. Both CFS and RA patients had worse HRQL compared with RPV. Comorbidities, pain and global functional status influenced HRQL in CFS patients. Standardised HRQL instruments are of value in determining the quality of life in these patients.