Describing death acceptance among Thai Buddhists with cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Death acceptance (DA) is perceived in culturally specific ways. The purposes of this study were to describe DA among Thai Buddhists with cancer and to compare DA differences in demographic data.

Methodology: This research was a secondary data analysis. The participants were 363 Thai Buddhists with cancer, recruited using multistage sampling method. Data were collected using the Buddhist Death Acceptance Scale, reliability coefficient .82. Data were analyzed using T-Tests and Two-Way ANOVA.

Results: The participants had high levels of DA. Age and stage of cancer had main effects on DA.

Discussion: This study highlighted the significant demographic differences with regard to DA levels among Thai Buddhists with cancer. Interventions include determining the patient’s DA level, or offering patients and their families advance care plans. Nurses can then explore DA with patients, particularly those with life-limiting illnesses to ease their patients’ lives and foster a good death.