Iran Journal of Nursing

  Abstract

  Background & Aims: Quality of life of patients with cancer is not determined only with the disease and its treatment but it depends on other medical, psychological and social conditions. Death anxiety and psychological disorders can affect the quality of life for this group of patients. The aim of this study was to determine death anxiety and its relationship with quality of life in women with cancer admitted to Kosar Hospital of Qazvin city in 2013.

  Material & Methods: It was a cross-sectional study that was carried out among 276 women with cancer. Data was collected by questionnaire. It included three parts: demographic characteristics, Templer Death Anxiety Scale and the McGill Quality of Life Scale. Data analysis was performed by descriptive and inferential statistics (Kolmogorov - Smirnov, Spearman correlation test, linear regression) using SPSS-PC (v.20).

  Results: The median of death anxiety score and the mean score of quality of life were 48 (IQR: 8) and 103.07 ± 25.11 respectively. There was a significant relationship between death anxiety and quality of life (r_s=-0.35). Also there was significant correlation between death anxiety and psychological quality of life (r_s=-0.38), age (r_s=-0.13) and frequency of praying (r_s=-0.14). Multivariate linear regression showed that death anxiety, social support and education level are predictive factors of the quality of life in women with cancer.

 Conclusion: Developing a comprehensive care program for patients with cancer regarding the factors affecting their quality of life would be possible. Reducing death anxiety, increased social support and improved level of education can improve the quality of life of women with cancer.

  Received: 15 March 2013

  Accepted: 12 Jun 2013