Development and testing of a scale to assess fluid overload symptoms

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to develop and test the reliability and validity of a scale about fluid overload symptoms in patients with heart failure.

Background: Fluid overload symptoms are a common cause of admission of patients with heart failure. An instrument that is quick to complete and easy to use for the measurement of fluid overload symptoms would be beneficial for early intervention and avoidance of hospital admission.

Methods: Fifty-six participants were recruited from cardiology wards. Internal consistency reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Validity was assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and exploratory factor analysis.

Results: This new instrument had a Cronbach's alpha of .81. Exploratory factor analysis revealed two factors (breathing symptoms and body fluid accumulation symptoms) with acceptable criterion validity.

Conclusions: The fluid overload symptoms scale exhibits reliability with construct and criterion validity. It would be more beneficial if further testing is done.

Keywords: Fluid volume overload; Heart failure; Instrument.