Teng L, Zhou Z, Yang Y, Sun J, Dong Y, Zhu M, Wang T. Identifying central symptom clusters and correlates in patients with lung cancer post-chemotherapy: A network analysis.
Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2024;
11:100383. [PMID:
38495643 PMCID:
PMC10940888 DOI:
10.1016/j.apjon.2024.100383]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective
This study aims to investigate the network structures of symptoms and symptom clusters in patients with lung cancer post-chemotherapy, with a focus on identifying the central symptom cluster. Understanding the central cluster is crucial for targeted and effective symptom management.
Methods
Symptom occurrence and severity were assessed using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS). Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to explore symptom clusters, while network analysis unveiled the network structure and pinpointed the central symptom cluster.
Results
The study included 512 patients with lung cancer. Four distinct symptom clusters emerged: sickness behavior, psychological, lung cancer-specific, and epithelial. The sickness behavior symptom cluster was identified as the central symptom cluster.
Conclusions
This research designates the sickness behavior symptom cluster as central in post-chemotherapy patients with lung cancer, offering valuable insights for clinical nurses in devising more effective symptom management strategies.
Trial registration
ChiCTR2300070944 (Chinese Clinical Trial Register).
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