Abstract

This research aimed to investigate death anxiety in patients with terminal and non-terminal illnesses admitted to the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi. Employing a survey research design, 100 hospitalized patients, encompassing both genders, participated in the study, responding to the Death Anxiety Scale (DAS). Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in the experience of death anxiety between patients with terminal (Mean = 22.79, SD = 2.14) and non-terminal illnesses (Mean = 23.70, SD = 2.22), t (98) = -1.87, p > 0.05. However, a statistically significant difference was observed in the experience of death anxiety between male (Mean = 22.28, SD = 2.05) and female (Mean = 23.80, SD = 2.09) patients, t (98) = -3.72, p < 0.05. These findings suggest that death anxiety is a common experience for both male and female patients, irrespective of the nature of their illness. Consequently, it is crucial to address patients' physical and emotional distress during medical treatment. Therefore, the assessment and treatment of anxiety should be prioritized to mitigate its potential interference with the expected treatment outcomes. In fact, recognizing psychological aspects in patients' medical conditions should be pivotal in constituting multidisciplinary teams for the effective management of patients' illnesses in Nigerian hospitals.

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