Complementary Health Approach Use by U.S. Adults with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in a Demographically Representative Sample

Background and/or Objectives:To assess the relationship between chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and complementary health approach (CHA) utilization among U.S. adults. We also compare treatment expectancy, favorability of experience, trust, and satisfaction between CHAs and conventional medicine among individuals with and without CFS.

Design: A cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of 3,022 U.S. adults. Statistical analyses included Pearson Chi-Square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression adjusting for confounders.

Setting : Participants completed an online survey at their convenience.

Participants : Recruited via an online platform using quota controls for demographic representativeness based on the 2024 U.S. census.

Interventions: CHA utilization was assessed across 30 interventions categorized as Physical, Psychological, Nutritional, Combined, and System-based.

Main Outcome Measures: The differences in CHA use, expected outcome, and experience of CHA in those with and without CFS.

Results: Individuals with CFS had significantly higher odds of using CHAs, notably Nutritional (OR=2.39 [1.42-4.04]), Physical (OR=2.26 [1.64-3.13]), Combined (OR=1.92 [1.26-2.92]), and System-based (OR=2.00 [1.32-3.02]). Negative expectations toward CHA effectiveness exceeded positive expectations overall, with no significant difference between groups. Favorable CHA experiences typically outweighed unfavorable ones. Significant differences in favorability existed for mindfulness (less favorable in CFS; p=.0042) and naturopathy (more favorable in CFS; p=.0159).

Conclusions: Increased CHA use among CFS patients highlights shortcomings in conventional medicine regarding symptom management. Findings support developing patient-centered integrated care models. Future longitudinal studies should examine CHA adoption, efficacy, patient preferences, and underlying causal mechanisms.