Exploratory factor analysis: promax factor loading*
| Item number | Factor 3 | Factor 2 | Factor 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| RS-Breathlessness | |||
| Q7—Breathless today | 0.777 | 0.040 | 0.056 |
| Q8—Describe how breathless | 0.747 | 0.122 | −0.170 |
| Q9—Short of breath—personal care | 0.749 | 0.103 | −0.053 |
| Q10—Short of breath—indoor | 0.750 | −0.079 | 0.081 |
| Q11—Short of breath—outdoor | 0.644 | −0.154 | 0.196 |
| RS-Cough & Sputum | |||
| Q2—How often cough | 0.017 | 0.717 | 0.156 |
| Q3—How much mucus when cough | 0.004 | 0.850 | −0.082 |
| Q4—Difficulty bringing up mucus | 0.071 | 0.447 | 0.284 |
| RS-Chest Symptoms | |||
| Q1—Chest feel congested | 0.006 | 0.290 | 0.575 |
| Q5—Have chest discomfort | −0.029 | −0.043 | 0.876 |
| Q6—Chest feels tight | 0.113 | 0.069 | 0.622 |
n=188.
In bold: Factor 3: RS-Breathlessness; Factor 2: RS-Cough & Sputum, Factor 1; RS-Chest Symptoms.
For each item, response scale scores range from 5 to 6, with higher scores reflecting greater severity.
*χ2=44.24 (DF=25), p=0.010; RMSEA=0.064, RMSR=0.027.
RMSEA, root mean square error of approximation; RMSR, root mean square residual; RS, respiratory symptoms.