[Attitudes and anxiety towards death in elderly people from 2different cultures: Spain and Egypt]

Abstract

Background and objective: There are multiple variables that influence fear of death, as well as attitudes towards it, including age, religiosity, emotional and cultural aspects. Due to the proximity to death, the study of attitudes and death-related anxiety and the variables that influence it in the elderly population is of great relevance. The aim of the present study was to compare the levels of death anxiety, fear of death, attitudes towards death and associated emotional aspects (anxiety and depression) in older adults from 2different cultures, Western and Arab.

Materials and method: A total of 91 people over 60 years old took part and were divided into 2groups, one of people born in Spain (n=46) and the other of people born in Egypt (n=45). In an individualised assessment, participants completed the DAS, PRAM and the anxiety and depression subscales of the SCL-90-R questionnaires.

Results: Statistically significant differences between groups were observed in fear of death, acceptance and emotional aspects. Predictors of anxiety and fear of death were different for each group.

Conclusion: The results show the importance of taking into account cultural, religious and emotional aspects in the evaluation of fear and attitudes towards death in the elderly population.

Keywords: Actitudes ante la muerte; Adulto mayor; Ansiedad ante la muerte; Attitudes toward death; Death anxiety; Depresión; Depression; Fear of death; Miedo a la muerte; Older adults.