The Relationship Between Death Anxiety and Self-esteem in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background Death anxiety is a concerning and threatening issue among patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI). Self-esteem is considered as an internal factor against the inherent fear of approached death.  Objective The present study aimed to determine the relationship between death anxiety and self-esteem among patients with AMI. Methods A total of 216 patients with AMI hospitalized in Bu Ali Sina Hospital in Qazvin City, Iran, in 2016, participated in this descriptive and cross-sectional study. Data were collected using a demographic data questionnaire, Templer Death Anxiety Scale, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multivariate regression tests were employed to analyze the obtained data. Findings The Mean±SD age of the study patients was 60.25±10.58 years. Moreover, there was a positive and significant association between death anxiety and self-esteem of AMI patients. Multivariate regression analysis results suggested that age, economic status, religious beliefs, and self-esteem were predictors of death anxiety. Conclusion The present study indicated increased death anxiety with increasing self-esteem. However, further studies in the different populations are recommended to confirm these results.