Validation of the Symptom Status Questionnaire-Heart Failure in Korean patients

Abstract

Aim The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the Symptom Status Questionnaire-Heart Failure (SSQ-HF) in patients with heart failure (HF). Specific aims were to examine 1) reliability and item homogeneity, using Cronbach's alpha and item analyses; and 2) validity, using factor analysis and known relationships of depressive symptoms and perceived control to HF symptoms. Background: HF symptoms are among the strongest factors affecting health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and can lead to hospitalization. Therefore, it is important to assess and manage HF symptoms using a reliable and valid instrument. However, there is no such instrument for Korean patients with HF. Methods: Data on HF symptoms, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and covariates such as depressive symptoms, perceived control, and self-care maintenance were collected from 119 patients (mean age: 65.0 years; 58.8% males). Cronbach's alpha was used to test reliability, and factor analysis and multiple regression analyses were used to test validity. Results: Cronbach's alpha was 0.76, supporting reliability. In factor analysis, a single-factor structure emerged, and the loading coefficients of all items were > 0.45, supporting construct validity. In addition, as hypothesized, depressive symptoms and perceived control were significantly associated with HF symptoms, further supporting validity. Conclusions: The reliability and validity of the Korean version of the SSQ-HF were supported among Korean HF patients. Clinicians and researchers can use the SSQ-HF to assess and manage common HF symptoms.