title: A comparison of the level of fear of death among students and nursing professionals in Mexico.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  to compare the level of fear of death in nursing students and professionals.
  
  
  METHODS
  this was a comparative-transversal study examining 643 nursing students and professionals from a third-level institution. A random sampling method was employed, and the sample size was calculated by power analysis. The study was developed during three stages: the first stage consisted of the application of a pilot test, the second stage involved the recruitment of the participants, and the third stage measured the participants' responses on the Collett-Lester Fear of Death Scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  the average fear of death was moderate-high (-X=3.19±0.55), and the highest score was observed for the fear of the death of others (-X=3.52±0.20). Significant differences in the perceptions of fear of death were observed among the students of the first three years (p<.05). However, no significant differences were observed among the first- and fourth-year students and professionals (p>.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  it is possible that first-year students exhibit a reduced fear of death because they have not had the experience of hospital practice. Students in their second and third year may have a greater fear of death because they have cared for terminal patients. However, it appears that greater confidence is acquired over time, and thus fourth-year students and professionals exhibit less fear of death than second- and third-year students (p<.05).
authors.affiliation: Facultad de Enfermería, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico.
authors.forename: Edna Johana
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Mondragón-Sánchez
authors.affiliation: Hospital Universitario, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico.
authors.forename: Erika Alejandra Torre
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Cordero
authors.affiliation: Facultad de Enfermería, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico.
authors.forename: María de Lourdes Morales
authors.initials: Mde L
authors.lastname: Espinoza
authors.affiliation: Facultad de Enfermería, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico.
authors.forename: Erick Alberto
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Landeros-Olvera
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001293:Attitude to Death; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico; D008875:Middle Aged; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology*; D009729:Nursing; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult