Background & aim: Thirst distress is a common complication in the final stage of kidney disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the network and psychometric properties of the thirst distress scale in the Iranian hemodialysis patients.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study in 2023, 411 hemodialysis patients in Mazandaran were selected using the convenience sampling method. After translating the scale, its psychometric properties were evaluated through exploratory factor analysis, network analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis, and the structural validity (convergent and divergent validity) was assessed. Internal consistency was calculated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, McDonald's omega, and composite reliability.
Results: The results of exploratory factor analysis showed two factors of distress due to thirst and dry mouth were extracted, explaining 80.46% of the variance in thirst distress among hemodialysis patients. Additionally, confirmatory factor analysis showed that the assumed model had a good fit (CFI = 0.971, IFI = 0.971, RFI = 0.923, NFI = 0.969). The extracted factors demonstrated good convergent validity (AVE above 0.50 for both factors) and high reliability (composite reliability above 0.70), and were appropriately divergent (HTMT ratio of 0.512). Finally, the internal stability of the thirst distress scale was deemed acceptable (Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability above 0.70).
Conclusion: The psychometric results of the thirst distress scale indicated that chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis experience and perceive distress with two concepts of thirst and dry mouth. This study confirmed the psychometric properties (appropriate validity and reliability) and suitable factor structure for the Persian version of the thirst distress scale in hemodialysis patients. It can be stated that healthcare providers can utilize it in future studies.