Korean J Adult Nurs.  2022 Feb;34(1):51-61. 10.7475/kjan.2022.34.1.51.

The Effect of Uncertainty on the Physiological Indexes of Hemodialysis Patients: Serial Mediating Effects of Uncertainty Appraisal and Self-care Behavior

• Kim MK
• Jang EH

• KMID: 2526695
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7475/kjan.2022.34.1.51

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating effects of uncertainty appraisal and self-care behavior on uncertainty and the physiological indexes of hemodialysis patients.
Methods
This study used a descriptive correlation design. The participants were 140 patients receiving hemodialysis treatment. Data were collected from July 16 to August 20, 2020. Measurements included Mishel’s uncertainty in illness scale, the uncertainty appraisal scale, and the self-care behavior scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The mediating effects were verified by the bootstrapping method using the PROCESS macro for SPSS.
Results
The mean scores for uncertainty, uncertainty danger appraisal, uncertainty opportunity appraisal, and self-care behavior, respectively, 2.67±0.42 (range 1~5), 1.34±1.02, 2.17±1.12 (range 0~5), 3.58±0.45 (range 1~5). Uncertainty did not have a direct effect on physiological indexes. However, uncertainty opportunity appraisal and self-care behavior had serial mediating effects on the relationship between uncertainty and physiological indexes of serum phosphate and interdialytic weight gain.
Conclusion
To the control physiological indexes of hemodialysis patients, it is necessary to develop a nursing intervention program that can lower the this uncertainty and increase self-care behavior by considering uncertainty to be an opportunity.

Keyword

Renal dialysis; Uncertainty; Self care; Physiological indexes