Developmental and Initial Validation of the Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Symptom Interference Scale

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a chronic illness that produces multiple symptoms and impairs quality of life. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the initial psychometric properties of the Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Symptom Interference Scale (PAHSIS). Methods: Participants completed a sociodemographic and clinical data form: the PAHSIS and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, principal component analysis (PCA), and Pearson r correlations. Results: PCA revealed a 3-factor solution: Cardiopulmonary, Weary, and Gastric. Correlations between the 3 factors and the SF-36 subscales and composite summary scores ranged from acceptable to high. Conclusions: These findings support the initial validity and reliability of the PAHSIS. Nursing can use the PAHSIS to assess the impact of patient symptoms to deploy effective, targeted interventions.