A comparison of the level of fear of death among students and nursing professionals in Mexico

• Published in: Revista latino-americana de enfermagem 2015-04, Vol.23 (2), p.323-328
• Main Authors: Mondragón-Sánchez, Edna Johana, Cordero, Erika Alejandra Torre, Espinoza, María de Lourdes Morales, Landeros-Olvera, Erick Alberto
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Attitude to Death; Cross-Sectional Studies; Enfermería; Fear; Female; Humans; Male; Mexico; Middle Aged; Miedo; Muerte; Nurses - psychology; NURSING; Original; Students, Nursing - psychology; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1518-8345; 0104-1169; 1518-8345
• DOI: 10.1590/0104-1169.3550.2558

to compare the level of fear of death in nursing students and professionals. this was a comparative-transversal study examining 643 nursing students and professionals from a third-level institution. A random sampling method was employed, and the sample size was calculated by power analysis. The study was developed during three stages: the first stage consisted of the application of a pilot test, the second stage involved the recruitment of the participants, and the third stage measured the participants' responses on the Collett-Lester Fear of Death Scale. the average fear of death was moderate-high (-X=3.19±0.55), and the highest score was observed for the fear of the death of others (-X=3.52±0.20). Significant differences in the perceptions of fear of death were observed among the students of the first three years (p.05). it is possible that first-year students exhibit a reduced fear of death because they have not had the experience of hospital practice. Students in their second and third year may have a greater fear of death because they have cared for terminal patients. However, it appears that greater confidence is acquired over time, and thus fourth-year students and professionals exhibit less fear of death than second- and third-year students (p