Dimensions of symptom distress in women with advanced lung cancer: a factor analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the structure of symptom distress in women with advanced lung cancer.


METHODS
Descriptive.


METHODS
Oncology clinics and private offices.


METHODS
Sixty women with advanced lung cancer (71% non-small-cell); the majority received palliative treatment (88%).


METHODS
Symptom Distress Scale and Karnofsky Performance Status Scale.


METHODS
Factor analytic techniques (principal components, varimax rotation) to investigate combinations of all symptoms in the Symptom Distress Scale and combinations of serious symptoms.


RESULTS
Fatigue, disruptions in outlook, frequent pain, and difficulties in sleeping were rated the most distressing and were the most prevalent serious disruptions. A four-factor solution for the symptom distress ratings explained 63.3% of the variance and revealed groups of items representing emotional and physical suffering, gastrointestinal distress, respiratory distress, and malaise. Symptoms with a rating of serious distress were represented by five factors with emotional and physical suffering as separate factors. Symptoms were significantly related to Karnofsky Performance Status.


CONCLUSIONS
Multiple symptoms formed distinct congregations of distress. Symptom control requires consideration as a multivariate approach.
Sarna
L
L
School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles 90095-6918, USA.
Brecht
M L
ML
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001288:Attention; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000523:psychology*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000209:etiology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors