Women's beliefs regarding persistent fatigue

Investigation of women's perceptions of possible etiologies for, and solutions to, persistent fatigue was the purpose of this study. Although factors associated with fatigue have been explored in specific patient populations, little study has addressed the presence of fatigue among women generally thought to be well. A convenience sample of 76 community women participated in audiotaped interviews regarding their perceptions of personal fatigue. Transcribed interview data were content-analyzed for recurrent themes. Results suggest that long-term fatigue is ubiquitous in the lives of many women and that many perceive role burden and stress to be important contributing factors. Many women apply self-care measures to prevent and decrease fatigue, but others are unable to employ helpful strategies. Some respondents were able to identify specific ways in which family and important others could help them to decrease or prevent their fatigue. However, many expressed the belief that significant others were unconcerned and unwilling to assist them in any substantive way.