Author(s)

Eva Brink^1*, Ulla Fredriksson-Larsson¹, Pia Alsén¹, Marianne Lång², Christina Cliffordson¹

¹Department of Health Sciences, University West, Trollhättan, Sweden.
²Department of Cardiology, NU Hospital Group, Trollhättan, Sweden.

Introduction: After treatment for myocardial infarction (MI) quite a few persons will experience different symptoms, including fatigue, during the recovery phase. The aim of the present study was to construct the multidimensional Post-Myocardial Infarction Fatigue (PMIF) scale, based on empirical data gathered in coronary heart disease contexts. Methods: The construction of the post-MI fatigue scale was conducted in seven steps, ending in a psychometric evaluation of the internal structure of the scale, using confirmatory factor analysis, as well as testing of convergent and discriminant validity, using correlational analysis, in a sample of 141 persons treated for MI. Results: The results showed that the PMIF scale represents three dimensions: physical, cognitive and emotional fatigue. It was also found that the scale is suitable for summing the items to obtain a total score representing a post-MI global fatigue dimension. Conclusion: The PMIF is a brief and easily completed scale for identifying persons experiencing post-MI fatigue. Early identification of fatigue, together with health behavior support, might prevent progression toward a more severe state of fatigue.

Fatigue, Myocardial Infarction, Psychometric Evaluation, Scale Development

Brink, E. , Fredriksson-Larsson, U. , Alsén, P. , Lång, M. and Cliffordson, C. (2018) Development of a Tool for Assessment of Post-Myocardial Infarction Fatigue. Open Journal of Nursing, 8, 811-822. doi: 10.4236/ojn.2018.811061.