Abstract
BACKGROUND: Self-management behaviours are critical for patients requiring regular hemodialysis (HD) therapy. This study aimed to test the relationship between social support, uncertainty and self-management among HD patients and to explore whether hope plays a mediating role. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, a convenience sample of 212 HD patients from two hospitals completed the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), Herth Hope Index (HHI), Short form Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale (SF-MUIS), and hemodialysis Self-Management Instrument (HD-SMI). Data were analysed using structural equation modelling. RESULTS: The main finding indicated that social support positively affected self-management (β = 0.50, t = 4.97, p < 0.001), and uncertainty negatively affected self-management (β =-0.37, t=-4.12, p = < 0.001). In mediational model analysis, the effect of social support on self-management was fully mediated [(β = 0.12; 95% BC CI (0.047, 0.228)] by hope. Also, the effect of uncertainty on self-management was fully mediated [(β=- 0.014; 95% BC CI (-0.114, -0.003)] by hope. CONCLUSIONS: "Considering factors influencing self-management in HD patients is crucial for improving quality of life. Receiving support and informational resources can not only foster hope but also reduce their uncertainty, thus aiding in enhancing clinical outcomes, quality of life, and reducing complications. "Health care providers, especially nurses were advised to accept the existence of uncertainty, help patients make optimal use of support resources, and give more importance to disambiguation to reassure them. Therefore, well-designed interventions that enhance social support and hope and reduce uncertainty may help improve self-management behaviour in HD patients.