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Cohort study, 2014

Can a brief daily fatigue scale reliably measure changes in fatigue, especially in PMS and PMDD?

Yes. The scale reliably measured fatigue across groups (over 90% reliable), and in women with PMS/PMDD, fatigue increased as their period approached and dropped sharply after menstruation.

Moderate study design 100 participants in each group: PMS/PMDD, osteoarthritis, or general population

What they did

100 people in each of three groups (PMS/PMDD, osteoarthritis, general population) completed brief daily web-based fatigue ratings for 28 consecutive evenings at home.

What they found

Compliance was high: 98% in general population and osteoarthritis groups, 95% in PMS/PMDD group. The scale had high reliability (over 0.90) especially for average to high fatigue levels. Fatigue scores were higher in both clinical groups than in the general population. Women with PMS/PMDD showed a linear increase in fatigue before menses onset and a sharp drop afterward.

What it means for you

This brief daily scale is a reliable tool for tracking fatigue in PMS/PMDD over time. It was less reliable for measuring very low fatigue levels.

100

participants in each group

28

consecutive evenings tracked

>0.90

reliability coefficient

About the study

Original title
Measuring daily fatigue using a brief scale adapted from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS ®)
Authors
Christodoulou C, Schneider S, Junghaenel DU et al.
Journal
Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation
Year
2014
Study design
Cohort study
Participants
100
What was tested
None - measurement validation study

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