Research in nursing & health
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Multivariate methods are required to assess the interrelationships among multiple, concurrent symptoms. We examined the conceptual and contextual appropriateness of commonly used multivariate methods for cancer symptom cluster identification. ⋯ As a basis for new directions in symptom management, FA methods are more appropriate than HCA. Principal axis factoring or maximum likelihood factoring, the scree plot, oblique rotation, and clinical interpretation are recommended approaches to symptom cluster identification.
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Patients receiving curative treatment for cancer have concerns about reporting pain and using analgesics. These concerns are associated with underutilization of analgesics. ⋯ There was no correlation between caregiver and patient concerns and means for the two groups were similar, indicating that within a given dyad either the patient or the caregiver may have greater concerns. The findings highlight the need for patient and caregiver education about reporting pain and using analgesics.