Journal of travel medicine
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A relatively high proportion of overseas development workers may develop chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). A qualitative study was conducted in order to investigate how such people perceived their condition. ⋯ Some theories have suggested that CFS symptoms arise as a result of depression or other emotional difficulties, which the individual is not able to acknowledge. The results indicated that such theories may not apply to this subgroup of people with CFS. Further research on the etiology of CFS is warranted. Respondents described high levels of work-related stress as common to the experience of development work. It might be beneficial to train development workers in stress management techniques. Development organizations should be encouraged to ensure that their workers take sufficient time to rest, and attempts should be made to reduce work pressures.