Perceived Social Support and Death Anxiety Among Diabetic Patients in Benue State
Abstract
Death anxiety is reported to be high among persons with chronic ailments such as diabetes, and yet not much is known on death anxiety among diabetic patients in Benue State. This study examined perceived social support and death anxiety among diabetic patients in Benue State. Participants included a sample of 283 diabetic patients whose ages ranged from 22 – 70 (Mean age=42.23, SD=9.62). The Perceived Social Support Scale and Death Anxiety Questionnaire were used in data collection, while data analysis involved the use of Multiple Linear Regression. Findings showed that, perceived social support had a significant negative influence on death anxiety among the patients. Results on the independent influence of the dimensions of perceived social support on death anxiety showed that, all dimensions of perceived social support namely: family support, friends support and significant others support had significant negative influence on death anxiety among the patients. The study recommended that, family members of diabetic patients, friends, relative and significant others should make it a priority to provide support to diabetic patients who are close to them. Also, the managements of General Hospitals in Benue State should provide conducive environments to encourage friends and relatives of diabetic patients receiving treatment in their facilities, as a way of providing social support to mitigate the influence of death anxiety among the patients.
Keywords
Death AnxietyPerceived Social SupportFamily SupportFriends SupportSignificant Others Support
References
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