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Measuring women's fatigue during the postpartum period
R A Milligan1, P L Parks, H Kitzman
1School of Nursing, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057-1107, USA.
Journal of Nursing Measurement
|July 1, 1997
Summary
The modified Fatigue Symptom Checklist (FSC) effectively measures postpartum fatigue in American women. Both the full 30-item and a shorter 10-item scale, with physical and mental subscales, demonstrate reliability and validity.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Women's Health
Background:
- Postpartum fatigue is a significant concern for mothers.
- Existing fatigue measures may not be suitable for the postpartum period in diverse populations.
- The Fatigue Symptom Checklist (FSC) was adapted for American postpartum women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the reliability and validity of a modified Fatigue Symptom Checklist (FSC) for measuring postpartum fatigue in American women.
- To explore the factor structure of the adapted FSC in this population.
Main Methods:
- Reanalysis of data from a longitudinal study of 285 mothers.
- Internal consistency reliability testing.
- Criterion-related and construct validity assessments.
- Factor analysis (including LISREL confirmatory factor analysis) to identify subscales.
Main Results:
- The modified 30-item FSC demonstrated acceptable internal consistency reliability.
- Evidence for criterion-related and construct validity was established.
- Original FSC subscales were not confirmed; a 10-item scale and physical/mental fatigue subscales were identified and supported by factor analysis.
Conclusions:
- The adapted 30-item FSC is appropriate for measuring postpartum fatigue in American women.
- A shortened 10-item scale and distinct physical and mental fatigue subscales are valid and reliable measures for this population.