Effectiveness of Interventions on Death Anxiety and Fear in Adults with Chronic Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the outcomes of various interventions to alleviate death anxiety and fear. Studies published between January 2010 and June 2022 were searched in the ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CHINAL databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement guidelines were used in this meta-analysis. The results were examined using 95% confidence intervals, p-values, and fixed- or random-effects models based on the heterogeneity test. Sixteen studies involving 1262 participants were included in this systematic review. Interventions in seven studies using the Templer Death Anxiety Scale (TDAS) significantly decreased death anxiety levels in the intervention groups compared to the control groups (z = −4.47; p < 0.001; 95% CI: −3.36 to −1.31). This meta-analysis provides insights into implementing logotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, spirituality-based care, and educational interventions for death anxiety and the fear experienced by patients with chronic diseases.