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.

Citations

• The Effects of Spiritual Well-being on Self-care Practices in People Undergoing Hemodialysis: The Mediating Effect of Hope
  Bu Kyung Kim, Pok-Ja Oh
  Korean Journal of Adult Nursing.2022; 34(6): 592.     CrossRef
• Effects of a Self-Care Reinforcement Program for Socially Vulnerable Elderly Women with Metabolic Syndrome in Korea
  Mikyung Park, Kiwol Sung
  Journal of Korean Academy of Community Health Nursing.2019; 30(3): 271.     CrossRef