Relationships between Chronic Fatigue, Subjective Symptoms of Fatigue, Life Stressors and Lifestyle in Japanese High School Students

Abstract

Purpose: This study surveyed Japanese high school students in order to examine the relationship between chronic fatigue (CF), lifestyle, subjective symptoms of fatigue (SSF) and life stressors. Method: The questionnaire surveyed male and female students aged between 15 and 18; 2,944 effective replies were obtained. The questionnaire consisted of information on personal characteristics (school name, grade, course, age and gender), CF by Performance Status (PS), SSF, life stressors and lifestyle questions. A logistic analysis model was used to define the cause of CF. Results: Of the students surveyed, 168 (5.7%) were determined to have CF. Since the results of logistic regression analysis did not reveal a significant association between CF and lifestyle, lifestyle may not be a cause of CF. The present study shows that a significant association was apparent between CF and a ‘feeling of physical disintegration’ (P<0.01; odds ratio, 1.12). These results do not signify a high risk but they do indicate that there is a relationship between CF and physical symptoms.