Effects of Death Anxiety Experienced by Individuals with Myocardial Infarction: A Phenomenological Approach.

Aim: This study sought to investigate in depth the experiences of individuals who had a myocardial infarction (MI), focusing on death anxiety and life changes.

Design

A qualitative phenomenological design was employed.

Methods

Criterion-based purposive sampling was used. Data were collected between June and July 2023 through semi-structured interviews. Seven participants were interviewed, and six were included in the analysis. Data were analyzed using content analysis.

Results

Four main categories emerged: (1) experiences of patients, (2) changes in daily life, (3) thoughts about death, and (4) recommendations. Participants reported intense fear of death, lifestyle changes, and increased awareness of mortality.

Conclusions

Death anxiety is a prominent psychological response after MI that significantly affects patients' perceptions and behaviors. Psychosocial interventions are recommended to help patients cope with these experiences.