Analysis of the relationship between perceived stress level and death anxiety in individuals with COPD

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Psychological Health
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) significantly impacts patients' quality of life.
• Psychological distress, including stress and anxiety, is common in chronic illness management.
• Understanding the interplay between stress and death anxiety in COPD is vital for holistic patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between perceived stress and death anxiety in COPD patients.
• To quantify stress and death anxiety levels within this population.
• To identify potential correlations that may inform supportive interventions.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive and relational screening design was employed.
• 132 patients diagnosed with COPD participated in the study.
• Data were collected using the Perceived Stress Scale and Death Anxiety Scale, analyzed with descriptive statistics and multiple regression.

Main Results:

• COPD patients reported high mean scores for perceived stress (32.75 ± 5.32).
• Mean death anxiety scores were moderate (6.96 ± 3.40).
• A statistically significant positive relationship was observed between perceived stress and death anxiety (F = 4.332, p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Perceived stress levels are high among COPD patients.
• Death anxiety is at a moderate level in this cohort.
• Increased perceived stress is associated with elevated death anxiety in individuals with COPD.