Andy
Retired committee member
'Psych researchers in "chronic illness doesn't make for happier patients" shock'!
Sci Hub, https://sci-hub.se/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2019.03.185
Paywall, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022399918304331Highlights
QFS and chronic Q fever patients experience long term psychosocial impairment.
Fatigue is the most important factor mediating the psychosocial impact.
QFS and chronic Q fever report more negative illness beliefs than diabetes patients.
Illness beliefs do not mediate the psychosocial impact as highly as fatigue.
Abstract
Objective
After Q fever infection, 1–5% of patients develop chronic Q fever, while about 20% develops Q fever fatigue syndrome (QFS). This study examines whether these two conditions have a long-term impact on psychosocial functioning compared to the general population and patients with type 2 diabetes (DM) and investigate which mediating factors influence outcomes.
Methods
Cross-sectional study was performed, measuring psychosocial functioning including quality of life (depression and satisfaction with life), anxiety, social functioning and relationship satisfaction in patients with proven or probable chronic Q fever or QFS, 5–9 years after acute Q fever infection. Multivariate linear regression was used to analyse differences between groups, correct for confounders and identify relevant mediators (fatigue, physical or cognitive functioning, illness perception).
Results
Quality of life and social functioning of chronic Q-fever and QFS patients was significantly lower and anxiety significantly higher compared to DM patients and the general population. The impact was completely mediated by fatigue in both Q fever groups. Physical and cognitive functioning and illness perception partially mediated the impact.
Conclusions
Health care workers need to be aware of the long-term impact of chronic Q fever and QFS on psychosocial functioning of patients in order to provide proper guidance.
Sci Hub, https://sci-hub.se/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2019.03.185