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Measuring School Functioning in Students With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Michelle Tollit1, Jennifer Politis2, Sarah Knight1
1Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
The Journal of School Health
|December 11, 2017
Summary
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) significantly impacts students' school functioning, primarily through absenteeism. Current assessments lack consistency, hindering a full understanding of CFS effects on education.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Educational Psychology
- Chronic Illness Management
Background:
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is known to affect school functioning, but the specific manifestations are poorly understood.
- Limited research exists on how CFS impacts the educational experiences of students.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and critically appraise methods, constructs, and instruments for assessing school functioning in students with CFS.
- To identify gaps in the characterization of school functioning in pediatric CFS populations.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a systematic literature search across major electronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, ERIC, PsycINFO).
- Included empirical studies measuring school functioning in children and adolescents diagnosed with CFS.
- Synthesized and appraised 36 relevant studies.
Main Results:
- School attendance was the most frequently reported measure of school functioning.
- Academic functioning, motivation, and educational services were also assessed, but with limited consistency.
- Significant heterogeneity was observed in the measurement of school functioning constructs across studies.
Conclusions:
- The school experiences of students with CFS are inadequately characterized beyond absenteeism.
- Enhanced assessment methods are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of CFS's impact on education.
- Improved understanding will facilitate targeted interventions to optimize educational outcomes for students with CFS.
