Fatigue among working people: validity of a

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Occup Environ Med 2000;57:353–357 353

Fatigue among working people: validity of a questionnaire measure
Anna J H M Beurskens, Ute Bültmann, IJmert Kant, Jan H M M Vercoulen, Gijs Bleijenberg, Gerard M H Swaen

Abstract Objectives—To evaluate the validity of the checklist individual strength questionnaire (CIS) in the working population. This 20 item self reported questionnaire has often been used in patients with chronic fatigue. To date, no research has focused on the validity of the CIS in occupational groups. Methods—To evaluate the discriminant validity the CIS was filled out by five groups of employees with expected diVerences in fatigue. The convergent validity was evaluated by comparing the results of the CIS with the results of three related measures: measured unidimensional fatigue, burnout, and need for recovery. Results—The CIS was able to discriminate between fatigued and non-fatigued employees in occupational groups. The expected agreement between the results of the CIS and related measures was confirmed. Conclusions—The CIS seems to be an appropriate instrument for measuring fatigue in the working population.
(Occup Environ Med 2000;57:353–357) Keywords: fatigue; occupational groups; measurement

Department of Epidemiology, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands A J H M Beurskens U Bültmann IJ Kant G M H Swaen Department of Medical Psychology, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands J H M M Vercoulen G Bleijenberg
Correspondence to: Dr A Beurskens ajhm.Beurskens@ epid.unimaas.nl Accepted 30 December 1999

Fatigue at work is a normal everyday experience. However, in the case of severe fatigue it may aVect the person’s performance in the occupational as well as the home setting. Moreover, severe long term fatigue may lead to sick leave and work disability. In The Netherlands about one in every three recipients of work disability