The Influence of Uncertainty and Social Support on General Well-being among Hemodialysis Patients

Kim, Youn Jin; Choi, Heejung

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to explore factors affecting uncertainty and general well-being based on Uncertainty in Illness Theory.
METHODS
Data were collected from 125 outpatients who had received hemodialysis. The path model among four concepts, such as period of hemodialysis, social support, uncertainty, and general well-being, was tested. Tangible support, positive social interaction, affectionate, and emotional/informational support were measured as social support. Adaptation in the model was operationalized as general well-being which consisted of anxiety, depression, positive well-being, self-control, and general health.
RESULTS
All paths were statistically significant at the level of alpha=.05. The significant paths were the path from period of hemodialysis to uncertainty (t=-2.86), social support to uncertainty (t=-2.01), uncertainty to general wellbeing (t=-2.85), and social support to general well-being (t=3.55).
CONCLUSION
Patients who perceived low uncertainty and high social support were likely to feel well-being. Therefore, nurses should give patients appropriate information according to their needs and have meaningful interaction with patients to reduce their uncertainty and render social support.