The Prevalence of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Nigeria

Abstract

The present study found adult rates of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in Nigeria that were somewhat higher than rates from community-based CFS epidemiologic studies in the USA. The rates of chronic fatigue for both adults and children were also higher than in existing community-based studies. It is possible that the presence of several fatiguing illnesses such as malaria and typhoid, the lack of adequate healthcare resources and poverty in Nigeria, place individuals at greater risk for fatigue and its syndromes. There is a need for more epidemiologic studies on the prevalence and sociodemographic characteristics of CFS in developing countries.

Prevalence of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) in three regions of England: a repeated cross-sectional study in primary care

“…This prevalence is similar to that of a seminal community based study carried out in the US of 0.24% [38], which also used a robust methodology for case detection. It is slightly lower than the prevalence found in other community based studies carried out in the US - 0.42% [39] and in Nigeria - 0.68% [40], which used similar methodologies. Studies using more inclusive diagnostic criteria have yielded prevalence rates up to ten times higher, for example 2.5% [41], and 1% [42], although potential for misclassification was higher, with some people with other fatiguing conditions perhaps being wrongly included.…”

A national cross-sectional survey of diagnosed sufferers of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: pathways to diagnosis, changes in quality of life and service priorities

“…Within developing countries research on prevalence highlighted that adult rates of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in Nigeria were somewhat higher than rates from community-based CFS epidemiologic studies in the USA. In terms of treatment, researchers in the Netherlands found that cognitive behaviour therapy was an effective treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome in adolescents although the numbers enrolled in the randomized control trial of that therapy were small [6].…”

Chronic fatigue syndrome – an update

“…20 The first prevalence study in a developing country (Nigeria) showed a CFS prevalence of 0.68%. 22 Prevalence rates in the US range from 0.2 to 2.5%. 23 Chronic fatigue syndrome is more common in women than in men, affecting mainly 30 to 40-yearold successful women living in developed countries.…”