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