Predictors of death anxiety among Iranian cancer patients: Contribution of sense of Coherence

Abstract

Background Death anxiety is a negative consequence of cancer that influences the quality of life of many patients. This study determined the predictors of death anxiety and the contribution of the sense of coherence to this disorder among Iranians with cancer. Methods The present research was a descriptive-analytical study that examined cancer patients referring to one of the educational hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Two hundred eligible patients selected by purposeful sampling filled out a clinical and demographic questionnaire. The data were analyzed by the SPSS 20 software. Results The correlational results revealed a negative and significant relationship between death anxiety and a sense of coherence (r = −0.610). Likewise, age, gender, marital status, occupational and economic circumstances, and cancer type were among the variables that correlated with death anxiety and predicted 85% of this psychological state. Conclusion The researchers recommend mental assessment in oncological care to identify psychological challenges to realize the ultimate goal of palliative care, i.e. improving patients’ quality of life.