Hayfa Almutary|Clint Douglas|Ann Bonner
Towards a symptom cluster model in chronic kidney disease: A structural equation approach
Queensland University of Technology|King Abdulaziz University|University of Queensland|Queensland University of Technology|Queensland University of Technology|University of Queensland|Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital
abstract aims aim study test symptom cluster model chronic kidney disease patients based theory unpleasant symptoms accounting relationships influencing factors symptom experience consequences quality life background evaluation symptom clusters new field scientific inquiry directed towards focused symptom management yet little known relationships symptom clusters predictors synergistic effect multiple symptoms outcomes design crosssectional methods data collected 436 patients advanced stages chronic kidney disease july 2013february 2014 using validated measures symptom burden quality life analysis involved structural equation modelling results final model demonstrated good fit data provided strong evidence predicted relationships psychological distress stage chronic kidney disease age explained variance symptom experience symptom clusters strong negative effect quality life fatigue sexual symptoms restless legs strongest predictors overall model explained half deterioration quality life however reciprocal path quality life symptom experience found conclusions interventions targeting symptom clusters could greatly improve quality life patients chronic kidney disease symptom cluster model presented important clinical heuristic implications serving framework encourage guide new lines intervention research reduce symptom burden chronic kidney disease