Neuromuscular conditions are progressive disorders associated with muscular weakness.Fatigue is a common symptom in adults with specific types of neuromuscular conditions,however, less is known about fatigue in young people with neuromuscular conditions. Thisstudy aimed to explore prevalence and severity of fatigue, and associated factors,alongside lived experiences of fatigue in young people with neuromuscular conditions. Across-sectional mixed methods design was used; thirty-three participants with tenneuromuscular conditions completed an online survey including measures of fatigue,mood, sleep quality, responses to symptoms, social functioning, physical functioning, and quality of life. Data were analysed with bivariate correlations and stepwise linear regression. Twelve participants completed follow-up interviews to explore fatigue experiences, analysed with Reflexive Thematic Analysis. In total, 24% of participants reported significant fatigue, which was associated with sleep quality (r= -.39, p =.025) and depression symptoms (r =.40, p =.022). Five themes were constructed from interviews capturing the far-reaching impact of fatigue and difficulties in managing it. Quantitative measures and qualitative interviews indicate that fatigue is a common experience for young people with neuromuscular conditions and is strongly associated with feelings of depression. Implications for services, alongside limitations of this study and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Date of Award | 10 Oct 2022 |
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Original language | English |
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Awarding Institution | |
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Supervisor | Maria Loades (Supervisor), Anna Strudwick (Supervisor), Sadie Thomas-Unsworth (Supervisor), Helen Joannidi (Supervisor) & Michael Houser (Supervisor) |
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- Clinical psychology
- DClinPsy
- Main Research Portfolio
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology : Main Research Portfolio: 1) How common is fatigue across chronic illness conditions in children 4693 words and young people? A systematic review ;2) Evaluation of a mindful life group: A service-related project ;3) A mixed-methods study of fatigue in young people with neuromuscular conditions: “It limits how much I can do, it limits the quality of how much I can do, and it's a reminder of your disability which [affects] mental health.”
Williams, K. (Author). 10 Oct 2022
Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis › Doctor of Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy)