Fatigue among caregivers of chronic renal failure patients: a principal components analysis.

Quality of life for caregivers of ESRD patients has not been well addressed. The physical and psychological status of this overlooked group can be important in the recovery or adaptation of patients with chronic renal failure. One particular symptom of a reduced quality of life of such caregivers is that of fatigue. The study tested the reliability of both existing and newer fatigue measures. Measures with high reliability yielded a single construct of fatigue in a principal components analysis in this study of 99 caregivers. Implications for practice are addressed. Potential for further study is recommended.