Abstract
Background: Fatigue is a common distressing symptom in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) is used for measuring fatigue in various clinical settings. Nevertheless, its multidimensional structure has not been consistent across studies. Thus, we aimed to psychometrically evaluate the MFI in patients with CAD. Methods: In sum, 1162 CAD patients completed questionnaires assessing their subjective fatigue level (MFI-20), mental distress symptoms (HADS, STAI), and health-related quality of life (SF-36). Participants also completed exercise capacity (EC) testing. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis of the four-factor model, showed acceptable fit (CFI = 0.905; GFI = 0.895; NFI = 0.893, RMSEA = 0.077). After eliminating four items, confirmatory factor analysis testing showed improvement in the four-factor model of the MFI-16 (CFI = 0.910; GFI = 0.909; NFI = 0.898, RMSEA = 0.077). Internal consistency values were adequate for the total score and four MFI-16 subscales: General fatigue, physical fatigue, reduced activity, and mental fatigue with Cronbach’s α range: 0.60–0.82. The inadequate value (Cronbach’s α = 0.43) was received for the subscale of reduced motivation in both MFI-20 and MFI-16. Correlations between the MFI-16 and HADS, STAI, SF-36, and EC measures were statistically significant (all p’s < 0.001). Conclusions: The Lithuanian version of the modified MFI of 16 items showed good factorial structure and satisfactory psychometric characteristics, except for reduced motivation subscale.
Highlights
Despite the strides made in medicine, coronary artery disease (CAD) remains the most frequent cause of mortality, accounting for almost one third of all deaths globally [1] and impairing the individual’s personal life, and their career and work [2]
37% of study patients had unstable angina pectoris, and 63% were admitted after recent acute myocardial infarction (MI)
The current study has shown that convergent validity of Lithuanian Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI)-20 as well as modified MFI-16 is good: Each subscale and factor was correlated with closely related constructs of mental distress (anxiety and depressive symptoms (HADS-A, HADS-D), state and trait anxiety (STAI-S, STAI-T)), health-related quality of life (HRQoL) as presented by all SF-36 subscales, as well as the level of objective exercise capacity (EC)
Summary
Despite the strides made in medicine, coronary artery disease (CAD) remains the most frequent cause of mortality, accounting for almost one third of all deaths globally [1] and impairing the individual’s personal life, and their career and work [2]. Mental fatigue is considered as a risk factor for developing heart diseases [11], while unusual fatigue is a strong predictor of a longer prehospital delay [12], poor health related outcomes, and an increased risk for mortality [13], which is considered as one of the key prodromal factors in those after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) [14]. Fatigue in those with heart diseases is common and distressing symptom that raises concerns within the field of occupational health [2]. Confirmatory factor analysis testing showed improvement in the four-factor model of the MFI-16
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
