Examining the Role of Social Support and Death Anxiety on Life Expectancy Among Cancer Patients Publisher



Manzour R ; Haj Hashemi F ; Ghaediheidari F ; Taheri Z
Source: Journal of Education and Health Promotion Published:2026

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a major global public health issue, making research into all its aspects essential. This study aimed to determine the fit of the structural equation modeling of the correlation between ‘life expectancy’ and ‘social support’ and ‘death anxiety’ in cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research method is applied survey research, characterized as descriptive-correlational, targeting the population of cancer patients visiting Omid Hospital at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2023. A total of 368 individuals were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a demographic information questionnaire, Snyder’s Life Expectancy Scale, Sherburne and Stewart Social Support Scale, and Templer’s Death Anxiety Scale, with confirmed validity and reliability. Data were analyzed using SPSS23 and Amos using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: In the study sample, no significant average differences were observed between men and women or among age groups regarding life expectancy. Furthermore, examining the relationship between the two variables, social support, and life expectancy, revealed a positive and significant correlation based on Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Additionally, the structural equation model demonstrated how social support could impact the reduction of death anxiety and the increase in life expectancy among cancer patients. In the structural equation model, the coefficients indicated a relatively good fit, suggesting that the collected data are supported by the theoretical framework of the research. In the data analysis, along with calculating descriptive indicators, inferential indicators were also computed using the structural equation modeling method, and fit indices and path coefficients were extracted for the proposed model. CONCLUSION: With increased social support for cancer patients, their life expectancy increases, and their death anxiety decreases. Accordingly, it is suggested that extensive studies be conducted to identify the sources of social support for cancer patients to foster their life expectancy and diminish death anxiety. © 2026 Journal of Education and Health Promotion.