Journal of Anesthesiology and Pain

Mendeley  

Zotero  

Goudarzi A H, Koushanfar S. predict treatment adherence based on death anxiety, hopelessness, and tolerance of ambiguity among patients suffering from pain caused by gastrointestinal cancers. JAP 2026; 17 (1) :84-9
URL: http://jap.iums.ac.ir/article-1-5818-en.html

One of the most common types of cancer is gastrointestinal cancer. In recent years, the role of psychological and existential factors in patients’ adherence to treatment has received increasing attention. Therefore, the present study aimed to predict treatment adherence based on death anxiety, hopelessness, and tolerance of ambiguity among patients suffering from pain caused by gastrointestinal cancers in Borujerd city.

Methods:

This applied cross-sectional study employed a descriptive-correlational research design. The statistical population consisted of all patients experiencing pain due to gastrointestinal cancers in Borujerd during the years 2023–2024. Using convenience sampling, 120 participants were selected. The data collection instruments included the Treatment Adherence Questionnaire, Death Anxiety Scale, Hopelessness Scale, and Tolerance of Ambiguity Scale, all of which demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 through Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis.

Results:

The results indicated a significant negative correlation between death anxiety and treatment adherence (r = -0.47), as well as between hopelessness and treatment adherence (r = -0.49). Additionally, a significant positive correlation was found between tolerance of ambiguity and treatment adherence (r = 0.42) (p < 0.001). The regression analysis showed that the predictor variables explained 24% of the variance in treatment adherence among patients.

Conclusion:

Based on the findings, it can be concluded that treatment adherence among patients experiencing pain due to gastrointestinal cancers can be predicted by levels of death anxiety, hopelessness, and tolerance of ambiguity.