SYMPTOM CLUSTERS IN LUNG CANCER PATIENTS By Debra Rattican, PhD, RN A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2012 Major Director: Debra E. Lyon, PhD. Professor and Chair Family and Community Health Nursing The purpose of the study was to examine selected relationships among symptoms common to individuals with lung cancer. The specific aims were: 1) To examine the relationship between the symptoms of dyspnea and anxiety in patients with lung cancer. 2) To examine the relationships among the symptoms of dyspnea, anxiety, and symptom cluster components (depressive symptoms, fatigue, pain) in patients with lung cancer. 3) To examine the correlation between functional ability and quality of life in patients with lung cancer. 4) To explore the relationships among the symptoms of dyspnea, anxiety, and symptom cluster components (depressive symptoms, fatigue, pain) in patients with lung cancer and patients’ functional ability. 5) To explore the relationships among the symptoms of dyspnea, anxiety, and symptom cluster components (depressive symptoms, fatigue, pain) in patients with lung cancer and patients’ quality of life. Data were gathered through online survey and analyzed using descriptive, correlation, principal component analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and forward stepwise regression techniques. A strong positive correlation was found between dyspnea and anxiety (both anxiety in general and anxiety at the time the survey was completed. While results of this study cannot provide conclusive evidence of the existence of a symptom cluster composed of depressive symptoms, fatigue, and pain, the results are consistent with other studies in this area. Significant positive correlations among these three symptoms indicate that this is a possible symptom cluster experienced by lung cancer patients in general. This study provides preliminary data on how these symptoms are related and how they affect functional ability, or the ability to perform routine activities of daily living (ADLS) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLS), and quality of life in patients with lung cancer. Further study is needed on to better understand the symptom experience of these individuals in order to develop robust interventions targeting effective symptom management.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:vcu.edu/oai:scholarscompass.vcu.edu:etd-1351 |
| Date | 10 May 2012 |
| Creators | Rattican, Debra |
| Publisher | VCU Scholars Compass |
| Source Sets | Virginia Commonwealth University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Theses and Dissertations |
| Rights | © The Author |
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