Exploring death anxiety among women with preterm births in Oman.

Abstract

Preterm birth poses a global health challenge, with increasing rates and adverse outcomes. It is a leading cause of death and morbidity in children, impacting their development and contributing to health concerns and long-term consequences for infants and families as well. Death anxiety is an unavoidable, common phenomenon that humans experience across cultures and religions, which the consequences of preterm birth can influence. A descriptive correlational study methodology was used to attain the research's goal. A convenience sampling of 180 women who have preterm babies born before 37 weeks of gestation completed a demographic table and Templer Death Anxiety Scale. The data were collected between January and March 2024. The participants in the study were categorized based on their levels of death anxiety, which were classified as high, medium, and low. The study results revealed that most participants showed a moderate level of death anxiety (70.66%, n = 106) in comparison to low levels (24%, n = 36) and high levels (5.33%, n = 8). The results of our study indicated significant differences in death anxiety among the study participants in terms of age, level of education, employment, and history of child deformities. This study is one of the few studies conducted in Oman exploring the relationship between death anxiety among women who have experienced preterm births in Oman. Women in Oman have moderate death anxiety levels. Several factors were identified in this study; healthcare providers must support those patients using education and psychosocial support to address their emotional needs.