Ann Med. 2025 Dec;57(1):2524087. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2025.2524087. Epub 2025 Jul 11.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFQ) is a commonly used self-report instrument assessing the severity and chronicity of fatigue. We examine the psychometric properties of the CFQ and provide updated normative data for the German general population.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CFQ was administered to N = 2519 participants (16-96 years). Statistical analyses included the evaluation of the item properties, confirmatory factor analysis and examinig associations with mental health and sociodemographic data. CFQ cut-offs were used to estimate proportions of severe and chronic fatigue scores. We calculated percentile norms for the total sample and stratified by age groups and gender.
RESULTS: Indicators of internal consistency reliability were high for the CFQ total and subscales (α = 0.84-0.94; ω = 0.86-0.95). We found excellent model fit for a one (χ2 = 196.011, df = 44, p ≤ .001; CFI=.991, RMSEA = 0.037, SRMR = 0.059) and two-factor solution (χ2 = 115.055, df = 42, p ≤ .001; CFI=.996, RMSEA = 0.026, SRMR = 0.045). The CFQ total scale showed low to moderate associations with depression (r = .49, p ≤ .001), anxiety (r = .45, p ≤ .001), and loneliness (r = .26, p ≤ .001), indicating acceptable discriminant validity. Current unemployment was a relevant sociodemographic correlate of fatigue severity (CFQ total: β =.38, se =.09, p ≤ .001). 14.2% of participants reported severe fatigue, while 4.3% reported being fatigued for at least six months (chronic fatigue).
CONCLUSION: The CFQ is a brief and reliable instrument for assessing fatigue in general population settings. The results are limited by the lack of comparison with other established fatigue questionnaires.
PMID:40642978 | DOI:10.1080/07853890.2025.2524087
