Association of Death Anxiety and Quality of Life in the Caregivers of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Background & Aims: The progressive and debilitative nature of multiple sclerosis (MS) affects various aspects of the life of the patient and their caregivers. Care provision to MS patients may give rise to death anxiety and decrease the quality of life of the caregivers. The present study aimed to assess the correlation between death anxiety and quality of life in the caregivers of patients with MS. Materials & Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 200 caregivers of the MS patients referring to the MS Society for the Protection of Patients in Tehran, Iran in 2018, who were selected via convenience sampling. Data were collected using Templer death anxiety scale and quality of life questionnaire (SF-36). Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 21 using independent t-test, Pearson's correlation-coefficient, and Scheffe test. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 40.39±11.75 years. Among the caregivers, 58.5% were male, and 40% were female. The mean scores of death anxiety and quality of life in the caregivers of the patients were 5.92±3.82 and 55.42±14.82, respectively. A significant, reverse correlation was observed between death anxiety and quality of life (r=0.42; P<0.05). In addition, death anxiety was significantly correlated with the relation of the caregiver to the patient (P=0.001), duration of patient care (P=0.036), occupation status (P=0.021), and insurance type (P=0.006). On the other hand, quality of life was significantly correlated with age (P=0.032), education level (P<0.001), income status (P<0.001), occupation status (P<0.001), and insurance type (P<0.001).  Conclusion: According to the results, increased death anxiety in the caregivers of MS patients was associated with reduced quality of life. Considering the difficulties and disability experiences of these caregivers, it is recommended that patient care and caregivers be highlighted in the fields of nursing management and nursing education through the constant training of nurses.