Predictors of death attitudes and quality of life among cardiac nurses: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Cardiac nurses frequently encounter patient mortality which may influence their attitudes toward death and overall quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to identify the key predictors of death attitudes and quality of life among cardiac nurses. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 133 cardiac nurses working in various subspecialties. Data were collected using validated instruments: the Death Attitude Profile-Revised (DAP-R), the Sense of Coherence (SOC-13) scale, and the Personal Well-being Index (PWI). Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the predictors of QoL and fear of death. Results The regression analysis for QoL showed that SOC (B = 0.600, p < 0.001) was the strongest predictor, followed by approach acceptance (B = 2.898, p = 0.002, positive predictor) and escape acceptance (B = -1.885, p = 0.049, negative predictor). Fear of death (B = -1.517, p = 0.142) and work experience (B = 0.019, p = 0.835) were not significant predictors.For fear of death (FD), the strongest predictor was death avoidance (B = 0.501, p < 0.001), while neutral acceptance of death was a negative predictor (B = -0.373, p = 0.001). Neither SOC, approach acceptance, escape acceptance, work experience, nor education on death and dying significantly predicted fear of death. Conclusion Cardiac nurses' QoL is primarily influenced by their sense of coherence and approach acceptance of death, while fear of death is strongly associated with death avoidance and inversely related to neutral acceptance. These findings highlight the importance of promoting a meaningful approach to death and professional resilience training to enhance nurses' psychological well-being and reduce fear-related stress in clinical practice.