Investigating impact of a comprehensive support program on death anxiety among women with breast cancer: a clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Death anxiety is one crucial factor in the treatment process for patients with breast cancer. This study investigates the impact of a structured nursing support program on death anxiety in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted on 66 women with breast cancer. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling method and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups (35 individuals per group). A comprehensive support program was provided to the case group both in-person and online. The comprehensive support program is a structured nurse-led intervention consisting of six in-person and virtual sessions designed to address the physical, psychological, spiritual, and sexual needs of patients. Data were collected using the Templer Death Anxiety Scale before, immediately after, and one month after the intervention. The data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0 (p < 0.05). FINDINGS: The results showed a statistically significant difference in the mean death anxiety score between the intervention (3.2 ± 0.82) and control (8.48 ± 2.61) groups immediately after the intervention, as well as one month after the intervention. The intervention group scored 5.2 ± 0.73, while the control group scored 8.48 ± 2.61 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings support the effectiveness of nurse-led support programs significantly reduces death anxiety among women with breast cancer undergoing hormonal therapy. Consequently, integrating these structured nursing interventions into standard clinical care can effectively enhance psychological well-being. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT20240120060738N1 (available on: www.irct.behdasht.gov.ir ; 2024.01.28).