Table 3 Results of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) for uncertainty about disease and treatment (N=360)

Self-uncertainty

I am not certain about my ability to perform my daily activities considering the type of treatment I am receiving for my disease

0.875

0.440

10.46±4.6

0.15(-1.22)

3.799

22.34

I am not certain if I can effectively utilize strategies to deal with the side effects associated with my treatment

0.829

0.578

I am not certain of my ability to be prepared to handle crisis situations related to hemodialysis

0.600

0.687

I am not certain if I can accept other treatment methods for my disease

0.390

0.310

Uncertain situation

At times, when I become exhausted from the conditions associated with hemodialysis, I am unsure about continuing with it

0.880

0.596

10.86±4.6

0.16(-1.16)

3.087

18.15

I am not certain that I can pursue my life goals and aspirations based on the type of treatment I am receiving.

0.559

0.633

I am not certain about having a favorable social or family status in the future due to my disease or hemodialysis

0.499

0.520

I am in a state where nothing in my life can be relied upon with certainty

0.473

0.361

Uncertain future

I am not certain of what not to do in the future for my treatment

0.617

0.575

9.45±3.83

-0.01(-.94)

2.547

14.98

Whenever an issue arises regarding my treatment, I find it difficult to make a decision about it easily

0.582

0.662

I have many unanswered questions about the future of my treatment

0.557

0.246

Uncertainty of treatment outcomes

I am not certain whether hemodialysis is a suitable approach for extending my lifespan

0.989

0.733

6.97±3.49

0.71(-0.46)

2.511

14.77

I am not certain whether educating the treatment team can reduce the complications of hemodialysis

0.384

0.301

I am not certain whether adhering to treatment will result in a longer lifespan

0.346

0.200

Information uncertainty

I am not certain whether I have enough information about kidney transplantation or not

1.003

0.930

6.7±3.21

0.64(-0.5)

2.027

11.92

I am not certain if a kidney transplant is better than hemodialysis

0.451

0.230

I am not certain about my knowledge of my vascular access information

0.437

0.279