Predictors of Thantophobia among Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract

Study’s purpose: To assesspredictors of Thantophobia (death anxiety)among community dwelling older adults. Methodology: A descriptivestudy conducted at X Village, was used. The Study sample was selected purposively, composed of 123 older adults. A structured interview questionnaire to assess older adults demographic characteristics and medical history. Death anxiety scale was used to assessThantophobia. The daily spiritual experience scale was used to assess spirituality. The life satisfaction questionnaire-11 (LiSat-11) was used to assess satisfaction with aspects of life. Major results: Thantophobiawas high among 31.7% of thestudied older adults. Statistically significant positive relations were found between thanat phobia and women, widowhood and having chronic diseases.Otherwise negative relation between it and spirituality and life satisfaction (LS).Clinical implications: Thantophobiaand many predictorswere identified among the studied older adults living in the community so,identification, evaluation and control of predictors affecting death anxiety, is important to reduce the burden of this problem in daily life of older adults.