Factors Associated with Whether Older Adults Discuss Their Eol Care Preferences with Family Members
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2018
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igy023.3141
Abstract
Research suggests end-of-life (EOL) care discussions improve EOL care. This study examined factors associated with having discussed EOL care wishes with family, focusing on race and ethnicity. A diverse sample of participants (N=364) completed surveys including questions about demographics, discussing one’s EOL care preferences, family involvement in general health care, and communication with doctors. Results showed more than 30% had not discussed their EOL care wishes with family. There were no differences by race, but there were significant differences by ethnicity. Hispanic participants were less likely (O.R.= 0.40, p=.03), however moderation analysis showed Hispanics with greater family involvement in general health care were much more likely to have discussed EOL preferences with family (O.R.= 5.69; p=.02). Lesser confidence in communicating with doctors was associated with lower likelihood of discussion with family (O.R.= 0.65, p=.03). Results suggest providers consider ethnicity and family involvement in efforts to encourage EOL care discussions.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Innovation in Aging, v. 2, issue suppl_1, p. 843
Scholar Commons Citation
Peterson, L. J.; Hyer, K.; Meng, H.; Dobbs, D.; Gamaldo, A.; and O’Neil, K., "Factors Associated with Whether Older Adults Discuss Their Eol Care Preferences with Family Members" (2018). Aging Studies Faculty Publications. 54.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/gey_facpub/54
