College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

Winter 3-21-2021

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Leonard A. Jason, PhD

Second Advisor

Molly M. Brown, PhD

Abstract

Previous literature examining overall health outcomes and outcomes specifically related to adults with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) have found disparities based on sociodemographic characteristics including race/ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status. There is currently little information known regarding demographic disparities in health outcomes for youth with ME/CFS symptomatology, though a recent prevalence study found Black and Latinx youth as well as females have higher rates of ME/CFS than White youth and males, respectively. The current study examined 137 youth who screened positive for ME/CFS symptomatology. Multiple linear regressions assessing demographic predictors on fatigue severity, number of symptoms endorsed, and overall physical functioning found females had worse outcomes associated with ME/CFS across all outcome variables and Latinx and Black youth had less fatigue severity compared to White youth. Results provide support for the need to target female youth in future diagnostic and treatment considerations for ME/CFS. Further examination is needed to understand the role of race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status in illness severity for ME/CFS symptomatology in youth.

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