HIV-AIDS STATUS, LOCUS OF CONTROL, AND RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION AS FACTORS IN DEATH ANXIETY AMONG ADULTS IN NSUKKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

HIV-AIDS STATUS, LOCUS OF CONTROL, AND RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION AS FACTORS IN DEATH ANXIETY AMONG ADULTS IN NSUKKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

ABSTRACT

The study investigated HIV/AIDS status, locus of control and religious affiliation as factors in death anxiety among three hundred and ninety (390) adults in Nsukka Local Government Area. It was hypothesized that HIV/AIDS status, locus of control and religious affiliation will not be a significant factor in death anxiety among adults in Nsukka Local Government Area. Three instruments were used for data collation in this study: The Death anxiety scale, Locus of control of behaviour scale, and Religious affiliation scale. Analysis of variance was used for data analysis and showed HIV/AIDS as a significant and contributing factor in death anxiety (F (1, 382) = 8.71, p < .001), where HIV/AIDS positive persons scored higher in death anxiety than HIV/AIDS negative persons. The result also indicated locus of control and religious affiliation as not a significant factor in death anxiety. Further, a very significant interaction was found between locus of control and religious affiliation (F (1, 382) = 10.93, p < .01) Discussions emphasized the implications of the findings in the management of persons living with HIV/AIDS, and suggestions were made for further studies.