Death Acceptance in Vietnamese Cancer Patients: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Introduction: To date, death acceptance is not well investigated in the Vietnamese population. Cultural influences may affect death acceptance. The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe Vietnamese cancer patients' lived experience with death acceptance.

Method: Eleven Vietnamese patients with various cancer diagnoses participated in the study. Data were analyzed using the Giorgian method of data analysis.

Results: Themes of death acceptance found were (1) accepting destiny, (2) knowing and sacrificing the self, (3) believing in living persons and handing over responsibilities, (4) accepting death while continuing to fight for life, and (5) looking for a "role model death."

Discussion: Death acceptance is a contextually bound concept, which needs further investigation. To help patients with their death acceptance, nurses should include spiritual support and the involvement of loved ones in patients' care plans.

Keywords: cancer care; death; death acceptance; end-of-life care.