Back to Search
Start Over
Thoughts about death and perceived health status in elderly patients with heart failure
- Source :
-
European Journal of Heart Failure . Jun2008, Vol. 10 Issue 6, p608-613. 6p. - Publication Year :
- 2008
-
Abstract
- Abstract: Aim: To explore thoughts about death and perceived health status in elderly patients with heart failure during a 6 month period after a deterioration needing hospitalisation. Methods: A descriptive, mixed methods design was used. Health was measured with EuroQol-5D, thoughts about death with multiple choice and open questions. A total of 145 patients with New York Heart Association class II–IV heart failure, mean age 70 years, 70% males, were included. Results: During deterioration, 16% of the patients were afraid of dying and 4% had this fear very often. Fear of death did not change significantly during the 6 months after deterioration. Both during deterioration (r =0.26, P <0.01) and 6 months later (r =0.40, P <0.001), fear of death and anxiety/depression were correlated. Content analysis of the open question produced 5 categories: (1) Death as a natural part of life; (2) Death as a relief from symptoms and disability (3) Death as fearful (4) Arrangements for time after death (5) A wish for an extended life. Conclusion: Elderly patients with heart failure had a lot of thoughts about death. Higher levels of anxiety/depression were correlated to fear of death. Many expressed death as a natural relief from suffering, others were afraid of pain, loss of independence and dignity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 13889842
- Volume :
- 10
- Issue :
- 6
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- European Journal of Heart Failure
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 32558649
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejheart.2008.04.011