Ethics code: IR.Zaums.REC.1403.148
1- Department of Midwifery Nursing, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
2- Department of Midwifery Nursing, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
3- Department of Community Health Nursing, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
2- Department of Midwifery Nursing, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
3- Department of Community Health Nursing, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
Abstract: (21 Views)
Objevtive(s): Despite the high prevalence of breast cancer among the elderly and the importance of the psychological impacts of this disease, limited evidence from Iran has specifically examined the relationship between psychological distress and attitudes toward death in this population. This research aimed to fill this scientific gap by investigating the relationship between psychological distress and attitudes toward death in elderly patients with breast cancer in the city of Zahedan, in order to provide a basis for improving the quality of psychological care and designing targeted interventions.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional correlational study was conducted on 304 elderly patients with breast cancer who attended teaching hospitals in Zahedan and were recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the standardized Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and the Wong et al. Death Attitude Profile. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26. After assessing the required statistical assumptions, data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), with fit indices and effect sizes also reported.
Results: In the present study, out of 304 elderly patients with breast cancer, 214 (70.3%) were married. Most of the elderly had secondary education (39.4%) and Fars (44.7%). The results indicated that psychological distress and attitude towards death have a direct and significant relationship (r=0.71 and p<0.001). The results indicated that married elderly people experienced lower levels of psychological distress compared to single people or those who had lost their spouse. Also, as the level of education increased from primary to university, the mean psychological distress score decreased significantly. This pattern was also repeated in the general attitude towards death, such that married and higher educated individuals scored lower in negative attitude towards death. On the other hand, age and ethnicity did not show a statistically significant relationship with these two main variables.
Conclusion: The examination of the relationship between psychological distress and attitude toward death in elderly patients with breast cancer showed that these two variables are significantly interrelated. This suggests that the psychological experience of these patients, including their perception and confrontation with death, is associated with their mental state. Therefore, care for this group should not focus solely on the physical aspects of the disease but must also seriously consider the psychological condition and mental experiences of the patients.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional correlational study was conducted on 304 elderly patients with breast cancer who attended teaching hospitals in Zahedan and were recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the standardized Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and the Wong et al. Death Attitude Profile. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26. After assessing the required statistical assumptions, data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), with fit indices and effect sizes also reported.
Results: In the present study, out of 304 elderly patients with breast cancer, 214 (70.3%) were married. Most of the elderly had secondary education (39.4%) and Fars (44.7%). The results indicated that psychological distress and attitude towards death have a direct and significant relationship (r=0.71 and p<0.001). The results indicated that married elderly people experienced lower levels of psychological distress compared to single people or those who had lost their spouse. Also, as the level of education increased from primary to university, the mean psychological distress score decreased significantly. This pattern was also repeated in the general attitude towards death, such that married and higher educated individuals scored lower in negative attitude towards death. On the other hand, age and ethnicity did not show a statistically significant relationship with these two main variables.
Conclusion: The examination of the relationship between psychological distress and attitude toward death in elderly patients with breast cancer showed that these two variables are significantly interrelated. This suggests that the psychological experience of these patients, including their perception and confrontation with death, is associated with their mental state. Therefore, care for this group should not focus solely on the physical aspects of the disease but must also seriously consider the psychological condition and mental experiences of the patients.
type of study: Descriptive |
Subject:
Health Psychologhy
Received: 2025/05/26 | Accepted: 2026/08/8 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/09/16
Received: 2025/05/26 | Accepted: 2026/08/8 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/09/16
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