The Role of the Meaning of Life and its Relationship with the Attitude towards Death in Patients with Myocardial Infarction in the Intensive Care Unit

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death ac cross the world, including Iran. Psychological factors play a central role in the onset and persistence of diseasecomplacations . Attitude towards death is the main factor. The meaning of life is one of the attributes that play an essential role in the attitude towards death.

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the meaning of life and attitude to death in patients with myocardial infarction in the intensive care unit.

This descriptive correlation study was performed on 160 patients with myocardial infarction at Gonbad and Gorgan Social Security Hospital in 2019 using convenient sampling method. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the meaning of life, and attitude to death (DAP-R). Data were analyzed by SPSS 23 and descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, variance), inferential statistics (Cronbach’s alpha, Pearson correlation coefficient) at the significant level of less than 0.05.

Mean and standard deviation of the meaning of life and attitude to death in patients with myocardial infarction were 4.81±1.11 and 4.65±0.89, respectively. Furthermore, the results of the present study showed a significant and direct relationship between the meaning of life and attitude towards death (P≤0.001).

Based on the results, it seems necessary to formulate, plan and present the appropriate policyto improve and the meaning of life of heart patients.