Table 3 Polychoric factor loadings of EmMed questionnaire items (in decreasing order of loadings)

EM01_04

I fear being negatively judged by the doctor when I have to undress for an examination.

0.85

0.71

0.29

1

EM01_05

It makes me uncomfortable to show my body to someone, even if it is a doctor.

0.83

0.69

0.31

1

EM01_10

I feel embarrassed when I am palpated or examined in an intimate area during an examination.

0.83

0.69

0.31

1

EM01_07

I feel ashamed when I have to demonstrate movements or exercises during the examination that are difficult for me.

0.82

0.67

0.33

1

EM01_19

When the doctor asks about my defecation or urination during the appointment, it is embarrassing for me.

0.74

0.54

0.46

1

EM01_06

I feel self-conscious about the appearance of my body.

0.72

0.52

0.48

1

EM01_18

It is very uncomfortable when the doctor asks about my sexuality during the appointment.

0.71

0.51

0.49

1

EM01_13

I feel uncomfortable providing a urine or stool sample for the examination.

0.70

0.50

0.50

1

EM01_11

I feel uncomfortable when examined by a doctor of the opposite gender.

0.70

0.49

0.51

1

EM01_09

I do not want to show any weakness during the appointment.

0.69

0.47

0.53

1

EM01_12

I feel awkward when there is additional staff present during the examination along with the doctor.

0.68

0.46

0.54

1

EM01_08

I feel ridiculous when I have to perform movements or exercises during the examination that are very easy.

0.67

0.45

0.55

1

EM01_03

It is embarrassing when it becomes apparent during the consultation that I misjudged my condition or thought it was worse.

0.66

0.44

0.56

1

EM01_14

I feel ashamed when it is mentioned during the appointment that certain unhealthy behaviors (e.g., smoking, eating) have contributed to my health problems.

0.66

0.43

0.57

1

EM01_01

I feel embarrassed when the doctor asks about my knowledge of my condition, and I cannot answer everything.

0.64

0.40

0.60

1

EM01_17

I feel embarrassed when my condition is associated with physical limitations (e.g., incontinence).

0.61

0.37

0.63

1

EM01_20

I prefer not to be asked personal questions (e.g., about my private life) during the appointment.

0.60

0.36

0.64

1

EM01_21

I feel ashamed when it is addressed during the appointment that I did not follow through with what was agreed upon with the doctor (e.g., medication intake).

0.60

0.36

0.64

1

EM01_15

I would rather not have other people see me in the waiting room.

0.60

0.36

0.64

1

EM01_02

I feel inadequate when the doctor uses complicated medical terms that I don’t understand.

0.47

0.22

0.87

1

EM01_16

When I’m ill, I don’t talk about it.

0.43

0.18

0.82

1