Exploring predictors of comfort in palliative care among nursing students: A cross-sectional analysis of knowledge, fear of death, and thanatophobia.

AIM: This study explored the predictors of comfort in providing palliative care among nursing students in Colombia, focusing on knowledge, fear of death, thanatophobia, and age.

BACKGROUND

Providing quality palliative care requires nurses to feel prepared and emotionally equipped to support patients at the end of life. However, nursing students often report discomfort and fear when facing death and dying. Understanding the factors that influence their comfort is crucial for improving palliative care education.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional design was used with a sample of 355 nursing students in Colombia, employing validated instruments to assess knowledge, fear of death, thanatophobia, and comfort in palliative care. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and multiple linear regression were conducted.

RESULTS

The regression model was statistically significant (F = 76.34; p < 0.01), explaining 46.6 % of the variance in students' comfort levels. Knowledge in palliative care emerged as a positive predictor (β = 0.351; p < 0.01), while fear of death (β = -0.503), thanatophobia (β = -0.284), and age (β = -0.177) showed negative associations with comfort, all statistically significant at p < 0.01. These results indicate that emotional and cognitive factors significantly influence students' perceived readiness to care for patients and families at the end of life.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings highlight the need to strengthen undergraduate nursing education by integrating comprehensive palliative care training that not only enhances knowledge but also addresses emotional barriers related to death and dying. Longitudinal and multicenter research is needed to deepen understanding and improve culturally relevant educational strategies.