Relati̇onshi̇p between spi̇ri̇tual well-bei̇ng, death anxi̇ety and li̇fe sati̇sfacti̇on i̇n coronary artery pati̇ents and thei̇r relati̇ves

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between spiritual well-being, death anxiety and life satisfaction in patients with coronary artery disease and their relatives. Material and Method: The study was conducted in a cross-sectional, relational design with 233 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and 233 relatives in the Cardiology Clinic of Mardin Training and Research Hospital between 09.11.2024-15.01.2025. Data were collected using the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS), Death Anxiety Scale (DAS), and Adult Life Satisfaction Scale (ALSS). Descriptive data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Normal distribution of scale scores and numerical variables was examined through skewness and kurtosis. Relationships between scale mean scores were evaluated using Pearson or Spearman correlation tests. Scale scores were compared according to sociodemographic variables using Student's t-test, ANOVA, and Tukey test. For groups with small sample sizes, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used. Multiple linear regression with Enter method was conducted to determine the effect of DAS, SWBS scores, and being a patient or a relative on ALSS. Results: The mean age of the patients was 56.77 (SD = 11.47), and the mean age of their relatives was 39.31 (SD = 13.68). A weak but statistically significant negative correlation was found between DAS and ALSS total scores in both patients (r =-0.25, p <0.001) and their relatives (r <0.0010.23, p <0.001). Death anxiety scores of the relatives were significantly higher than those of the patients. It was found that SWBS and DAS total scores, rather than the patient/relative status, were statistically significant predictors of ALSS scores (R² = 0.31). Conclusion: In this study, it was found that patients diagnosed with CAD and their relatives had high spiritual well-being, experienced death anxiety, and their relatives experienced higher levels of death anxiety than patients. Taking into account the significance of the total scores of the SIOQ and SCQ in patients and their relatives as a determinant of the NCCS, it is recommended that death anxiety and spiritual well-being of patients and their relatives be evaluated, and interventions be planned and implemented.