title: Development and testing of a scale to assess fluid overload symptoms.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
authors.affiliation: 1, Jen-Ai Rd., Section 1, Taipei, Taiwan 100, Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; 261, Wen-Hwa 1st Rd., Kwei-Shan, Taoyuan, Taiwan 333, Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan. Electronic address: ywlee@mail.cgust.edu.tw.
authors.forename: Yi-Wen
authors.initials: YW
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: 261, Wen-Hwa 1st Rd., Kwei-Shan, Taoyuan, Taiwan 333, Center for General Education, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan. Electronic address: yjjeng@gw.cgust.edu.tw.
authors.forename: Yi-Jong
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Jeng
authors.affiliation: 1, Jen-Ai Rd., Section 1, Taipei, Taiwan 100, Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. Electronic address: lhhuang@ntu.edu.tw.
authors.forename: Lian-Hua
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Huang
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004327:Drinking Behavior; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
keywords: Fluid volume overload; Heart failure; Instrument