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Hepatitis C, a chronic and potentially life-threatening illness, often evokes profound emotional responses in affected individuals. The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between death anxiety and psychological distress in patients with Hepatitis C. This study also sought to examine the moderating role of family social support in the relationship between death anxiety and psychological distress. A cross-sectional, purposive sampling technique was employed, involving 240 Hepatitis C patients recruited from government and private hospital settings. Standardized scales were used: the Death Anxiety Scale to measure death anxiety, the Scale of Psychological Distress to measure psychological distress, and the Scale of Family Functioning to measure family social support. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations among these variables. Findings revealed a positive correlation between death anxiety and psychological distress, suggesting that a greater fear of death is associated with higher levels of emotional strain. In addition, family social support was found to be negatively correlated with both death anxiety and psychological distress, indicating a buffering effect in managing emotional challenges. These results underscore the importance of family-centered care in addressing the psychological aspects of Hepatitis C. Strengthening family support systems may serve as a protective factor against death anxiety and psychological distress, ultimately improving the quality of life for affected patients.

Keywords: Death Anxiety, Psychological Distress, Family Social Support, Patients with Hepatitis C, Life-Threatening Illness.