Table 3 Factor loadings of the empowerment items (n = 197)

  Positive attitude and sense of control

  I feel useful in my daily life despite my condition (I)

.814

  I feel I have a very good life despite my health problems (I)

.802

  I feel like I am actively involved in life despite my health problems (I)

.790

  I can live a normal life despite my condition (I)

.785

  I am still doing interesting things in my life despite my health problems (I)

.744

  I have plans to do enjoyable things despite my health condition (I)

.739

  *My health problems stop me from enjoying my life (I)

.703

  I have a positive outlook towards my condition (I)

.701

  I find my health problems take over my life (I)

.673

  I feel a sense of control over my condition (PC)

.672

  I have a hopeful outlook towards my condition (I)

.668

  I am capable of handling my condition (PC)

.661

  I can minimise the impact of my symptoms on my life (PC)

.655

  I feel there is purpose and meaning in my life despite my health problems (I)

.623

  *I live my life one day at a time because of my condition (PC)

.581

  I actively manage my condition (PC)

.553

  I am satisfied with my control over the symptoms of my condition (PC)

.553

  Knowing more about my condition helps me to manage it (KU)

.521

  I have the skills that help me feel in control of my condition (PC)

.518

  I try to make the most of my life despite my condition (I)

.493

  Without my health problems I could achieve more (I)

.489

  Knowledge and confidence in decision making

  I know enough about my condition (KU)

.747

  I have all the knowledge I need to manage my condition (KU)

.704

  I understand my condition (KU)

.657

  I would feel able to refuse a decision made by my doctor concerning my treatment (DM)

.590

  I know how to handle difficulties related to my condition (PC)

.582

  *I find it difficult to ask my doctor to change my treatment (DM)

.543

  I have information to handle difficulties related to my condition (KU)

.425

.517

  I know how to control my health problems (PC)

.448

.494

  I participate in decisions concerning my health care (DM)

.493

  I am confident choosing among different treatment options related to my condition with my doctor (DM)

.490

.430

  I know what my test results mean (KU)

.442

  I know where to go to find something out about my condition (KU)

.426

  I can talk to my doctor if I change my mind concerning my treatment (DM)

.407

  Enabling others

  I need to know what is happening to me and why (KU)

.686

  I have helped people who have similar conditions find different ways to cope (EO)

.627

  I have shared my experience of managing my condition with other people with health problems (EO)

.627

  I feel frustrated for other people who are struggling with similar conditions (EO)

.611

  I have shared with others how I keep myself well (EO)

.585

  I would acquire more health information when needed (KU)

.558

  I am aware I can change my mind about a treatment (DM)

.541

  I am aware I can choose different treatment options (DM)

.406

.506

  *I’m not bothered about understanding health information (KU)

.498

  I often request additional health information from my doctor (DM)

487

  I would refuse a treatment if I thought it was not the best thing for me (DM)

.458

  I have shared my understanding of my condition with people who have similar conditions (EO)

.423

  People who are struggling with similar conditions often ask me for advice (EO)

.421