Evaluation of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) education materials in local health departments. Issue 4 (2nd October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brimmer, Dana J.; Hagaman, Ashley; Campbell, Charlotte; Hsu, Joanne; Lin, Jin-Mann S.
• Is Part Of: Fatigue. Volume 6:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 193
• Page End: 207
• Publication Date: 2018-10-02
• Subjects: ME/CFS -- myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome -- education materials -- outreach -- health department; Chronic fatigue syndrome -- Periodicals; Myalgic encephalomyelitis -- Periodicals; 616.047805
• DOI: 10.1080/21641846.2018.1524216
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2164-1846

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Purpose: To identify methods used by local health departments (LHDs) for reaching providers and the public with information about myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Methods: During 2009–2012, we conducted LHD outreach in three stages: 1) materials needs assessment with LHDs in 18 states – 85% of 90 targeted LHDs; 2) dissemination to LHDs in 15 states – distributed 67, 850 copies of ME/CFS printed materials to 121 LHDs; and 3) follow-up calls with LHDs 6 months after dissemination – 75% of 118 LHDs. The follow-up interview included 18 questions about ME/CFS material use, perception, and knowledge. Results: Ninety-three percent of LHDs had no ME/CFS program or materials. ME/CFS was not rated a public health priority, yet 90% were interested in receiving ME/CFS materials. Of 89 LHDs completing the follow-up interview, 50% were in rural areas, 74% had heard about ME/CFS, and 80% had used the CDC-provided ME/CFS materials. LHDs incorporated these ME/CFS materials into existing programs and dissemination formats (e.g. kiosks and printed materials were preferred). Past use of provided materials did not impact LHDs' plan to use materials in the future. Regardless of prior ME/CFS awareness, LHDs rated ME/CFS as an important health issue. Conclusions: This paper highlights criteria to consider when developing outreach methods for LHDs including materials and dissemination. We learned materials should be concise and easily transportable to facilitate use in the community. Materials and outreach methods might require tailoring to LHDs as competing health priorities was the most common reason given by LHDs for not using ME/CFS materials.