Distribution characteristics of chronic fatigue syndrome among secondary school students and its association with physical health: a case study in Shaanxi Province - Report - MDSpire

Distribution characteristics of chronic fatigue syndrome among secondary school students and its association with physical health: a case study in Shaanxi Province

  • By

  • Yuan Yuan

  • Li Wen

  • Hongli Fu

  • Yinzhong Ren

  • Yiming Ren

  • Xiaodong Liu

  • Fang Chen

  • Zhimei Shen

  • Feng Wang

  • Aiping Chi

  • Xiaoxiong He

  • July 6, 2026

  • 0 min

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Prevalence of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Secondary School Students

Overview

This study reports a 2.059% detection rate of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) among secondary school students in Shaanxi Province, with notable differences across grade levels. A weak to moderate negative correlation was found between CFS severity and physical fitness test performance, particularly in endurance running.

Background

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a significant health concern among adolescents. Understanding the prevalence of CFS in this population is essential for health monitoring.

Data Highlights

GroupCFS Detection Rate
Overall2.059%
Males1.903%
Females2.234%
Grade 71.012%
Cram School3.728%

Key Findings

  • The overall CFS detection rate among students was 2.059%.
  • CFS detection rates were 1.903% for males and 2.234% for females, with no significant gender difference.
  • Detection rates increased from 1.012% in grade 7 to 3.728% in cram schools.
  • A weak to moderate negative correlation was found between CFS severity and endurance running performance.
  • Female students with CFS had significantly lower vital capacity compared to the control group.
  • Both CFS and CF groups exhibited lower running test results than control group students.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that secondary school students with CFS-like symptoms may require targeted health monitoring and support, particularly in physical fitness assessments. Awareness of CFS prevalence can inform school health policies and interventions.

Conclusion

The study presents findings on the prevalence of CFS among secondary school students, particularly in high-pressure academic environments.

Related Resources & Content

  1. NICE, Guidance, 2025 -- Myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy)/chronic fatigue syndrome: diagnosis and management
  2. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME), Journal of Translational Medicine, 2020
  3. Frontiers in Pain Research — Distribution and associated factors of neck and shoulder pain among primary school children in Shijiazhuang city, Hebei province, China
  4. BMC Psychiatry (Springer) — Examining the Impact of Learning Burnout on Quality of Life in Primary and Secondary Students During an Infectious Disease Outbreak: The Mediating Effects of Depression and Family Health
  5. Frontiers in Medicine — Hierarchical regression analysis of physical fitness and BMI in primary school students in Sichuan Province
  6. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism — Associations Between Psychosocial Stress Patterns and Timing of Puberty: Insights from a Seven-Year Study in Chongqing, China
  7. Overview | Myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy)/chronic fatigue syndrome: diagnosis and management | Guidance | NICE
  8. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) | Journal of Translational Medicine | Springer Nature Link
  9. Cardiopulmonary and metabolic responses during a 2-day CPET in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: translating reduced oxygen consumption to impairment status to treatment considerations - PMC

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