Intention to obtain disease related information and its influencing factors at the end-of-life among elderly people / 中华健康管理学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the intention to obtain disease related information and its influencing factors among the elderly at their end-of-life stage.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 414 elderly people aged ≥60 in 7 long-term residential care facilities and 15 communities in the central urban area of Fuzhou using the late-life care preference questionnaire from October 2016 to June 2017. Univariate analysis, multiple linear regression analysis and ordered multi-classification logistic regression analysis were used to identify information preference of the disease-related information and influencing factors among the elderly.Results:The level of disease-related information needs of the elderly was scored (17.1±4.9); 48.8% (202/414) preferred detailed or maximum information; 30.7% (127/414) wanted selective and partial information; 20.5% (85/414) did not want to know any information. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age, education, and whether or not they had received or seen other life-sustaining treatments were the main factors affecting the level of disease-related information needs (standardized regression coefficients were -0.141, 0.116, 0.115, all P<0.05); ordered multi-classification logistic regression analysis showed that age (compared with 60-69 years old, 70-79 years old OR=0.544, 95% CI 0.310-0.957; 80-89 years old OR=0.526, 95% CI 0.289-0.956), education level (compared with primary school and below, college or above OR=2.166, 95% CI 1.093-4.290), main sources of living expenses (compared with other allowance, family support OR=7.303, 95% CI 1.157-46.108, pension OR=9.288, 95% CI 1.502-57.415; provident fund scheme/saving OR=15.676, 95% CI 2.122-115.793), whether or not they had received or seen other life-sustaining treatments (compared with yes, OR=1.985, 95% CI 1.150-3.425) were the main factors affecting the level of disease-related information needs. Conclusions:Most of the elderly prefer to know disease-related information. Age, educational level, main sources of living expenses and whether or not they had received or seen other life-sustaining treatments are the main influencing factors.