Table 4 Exploratory factor analysis of the E-RAS (N = 360)

Motivation

2. Despite having epilepsy, it’s easy for me to pursue my interests/aspirations.

0.648

0.530

I’m interested in engaging in NGOs of epileptic patients.

0.609

0.424

21. To start any new therapeutic method or recommendation, I need a force to motivate me.

0.424

0.391

17. Someone needs to listen to me every day about what I can do to manage my illness.

0.594

0.475

9-I need energy to follow up my illness

0.553

0.609

3. Criticizing and rejecting me by others reduces my motivation to treat my illness.

0.572

0.355

26. I’m not interested in participating in self-care programs.

0.592

0.384

Self-Regulatory

I assess how to do health-promoting behaviors (such as exercising, resting adequately, eating healthy foods, avoiding alcohol, smoking and drugs, and avoiding stress).

0.662

0.547

10. I actively follow behaviors related to the dimensions of controlling my illness (such as preventing possible injuries during seizures and adhering to the therapeutic regimen).

0.618

0.574

5. I believe I can actively participate in decisions related to disease management.

0.563

0.407

Cognition

11. I understand the importance of self-care.

0.595

0.638

13. I know that I have to follow my treatment protocol for the rest of my life.

0.794

0.640

14. I understand the symptoms and consequences of my illness (such as seizures, occupational, educational, and family problems, and cognitive problems such as time, place, and person, and memory problems).

0.785

0.650

16. I know I need to follow up my treatment on time and not delay it.

0.484

0.536

15. To justify and attract the cooperation of others, I will explain the conditions/symptoms of my illness to them.

0.488

0.373

Emotional- Effective

25. I don’t care how others communicate with me.

0.630

0.475

6. The new goals and plans I have for the future of my life; are not overshadowed by my illness.

0.791

0.634

12. In controlling my illness, I accept the new methods offered by the treatment team (such as brain surgery and traditional medicine).

0.568

0.376

18. Deprivation of social rights due to my illness has made me angry and frustrated me in continuing my social activities.

0.515

0.376

19. The uncertainty about the future of my illness has made precautions related to treatment unimportant to me.

0.657

0.501

23. I don’t get excited when I have positive treatment results.

0.645

0.437

4. Although I suffer from distress, I am interested in expressing my feelings about my illness.

0.514

0.354

20. My fear of the symptoms of the disease has led me toward feeling a kind of alienation.

0.653

0.585

7. I don’t care how others react to my symptoms.

0.594

0.534