Death Anxiety and Religiosity as Predictors of Psychological Problems in Elderly Patients with Chronic Illnesses

Abstract

Objectives: The main objectives of the current study were to determine how religiosity and death anxiety affect the psychological health of older individuals with chronic illnesses. Furthermore, to explore differences in death anxiety and religiosity concerning the demographic variable (gender).

Method: The cross-sectional research design was applied. The sample consisted of 200 participants, age range of 60-90 years (Mage=67.34; SD=7.35) suffering from various chronic illnesses, including hypertension, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and hepatitis.

Results: Multiple regression analyses showed that death anxiety was a significant predictor of psychological problems, while the religious practice negatively predicted psychological problems

(depression and stress) whereas religious beliefs negatively predicted psychological problems (anxiety and stress) respectively. The findings revealed significant gender differences in psychological problems.

Conclusion: Death anxiety and religiosity significantly predicted psychological problems. 

Gender differences were also found in the psychological problems among elderly patients.