Natalie A E Young, Julie D Weeks, Nazik Elgaddal
In 2024, 71.5% of adults reported experiencing fatigue at least some days in the past 3 months (54.9% some days, 10.7% most days, and 5.9% every day), with frequent fatigue reported by 16.6% of adults. Frequent fatigue was more common among women (20.0%) than men (13.0%) and among younger adults. American Indian and Alaska Native non-Hispanic adults were the most likely to experience frequent fatigue (25.5%) among all race and Hispanic-origin groups, while Asian non-Hispanic adults were the least likely (9.1%). The prevalence of frequent fatigue decreased with increasing family income, was higher in the South and Midwest, and increased with decreasing urbanization level. Duration and intensity of fatigue symptoms varied within the population reporting frequent fatigue. Adults with frequent fatigue were more likely to report co-occurring functioning difficulties than other adults. About one-half of adults with frequent fatigue reported difficulties in at least three functioning domains, compared with about 16.9% of adults without frequent fatigue. Among adults with frequent fatigue, 29.0% reported limitations participating in social activities and 36.0% reported work limitations.
OBJECTIVE: This report describes fatigue symptoms among adults by sociodemographic characteristics, as well as co-occurrence with functioning difficulties and limitations in work and social activities.
METHODS: Data from the 2024 National Health Interview Survey were used to estimate fatigue symptoms among adults age 18 and older. Fatigue is based on reported frequency of fatigue in the past 3 months, with frequent fatigue defined as experiencing fatigue symptoms most days or every day during the 3-month period. Estimates are presented by sex, age, race and Hispanic origin, family income, region, and urbanization. Measures of functioning difficulties include seeing, hearing, walking, communication, cognition, self-care, upper body, anxiety, and depression. Measures of participation limitations in work and social activities are also described.
RESULTS: In 2024, 71.5% of adults reported experiencing fatigue at least some days in the past 3 months (54.9% some days, 10.7% most days, and 5.9% every day), with frequent fatigue reported by 16.6% of adults. Frequent fatigue was more common among women (20.0%) than men (13.0%) and among younger adults. American Indian and Alaska Native non-Hispanic adults were the most likely to experience frequent fatigue (25.5%) among all race and Hispanic-origin groups, while Asian non-Hispanic adults were the least likely (9.1%). The prevalence of frequent fatigue decreased with increasing family income, was higher in the South and Midwest, and increased with decreasing urbanization level. Duration and intensity of fatigue symptoms varied within the population reporting frequent fatigue. Adults with frequent fatigue were more likely to report co-occurring functioning difficulties than other adults. About one-half of adults with frequent fatigue reported difficulties in at least three functioning domains, compared with about 16.9% of adults without frequent fatigue. Among adults with frequent fatigue, 29.0% reported limitations participating in social activities and 36.0% reported work limitations.