Correlation between psychological distress and sense of dignity in terminally ill cancer patients

Background: Terminally ill cancer patients experience high risks of psychological distress. In this respect, patients’ disrupted sense of dignity can cause a number of physical and psychological symptoms. The main objective of the present study was to examine the Correlation between psychological distress and sense of dignity in terminally ill cancer patients. Methods: In this descriptive-correlational research, 114 terminally ill cancer patients between January and October 2018 were investigated using convenience sampling method. The data collection instrument included the researcher-made demographic characteristics information and clinical data form, Patient Dignity Inventory by Chochinov et al., and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). To determine the relationship between psychological distress and sense of dignity and demographic and clinical variables; Pearson correlation coefficient, one-way analysis of variance, and independent-sample t-test were used. Results: The results revealed a significantly direct relationship between psychological distress and sense of dignity (p<0.05, r=0.74). Conclusions: It is expected to utilize the results to take actions for reducing levels of psychological distress and enhancing sense of dignity in terminally ill cancer patients. Patients with low sense of dignity can be also referred to the given centers for dignity therapy.