Factors That Influence the Expression of Opinions Regarding Choices in End-of-Life Medical Services by Community-dwelling Elderly People

Abstract

Introduction : The purpose of this study was to identify factors that affect the expression of opinions regarding choices in end-of-life medical services by community-dwelling elderly people. Methods : We mailed a self-administered questionnaire to 780 elderly people who participated in preventive care projects in two municipalities in the Kanto region. Results : Of the 368 respondents (response rate, 47.2%), we included 348 who provided valid responses (valid re-sponse rate, 94.6%) in the analysis. We performed logistic regression analysis to identify factors influencing the expression of opinions regarding choices in end-of-life medical services. As a result, the experience of being at someoneʼs deathbed was an influencing factor (p=0.046, OR=1.576). Conclusion : The factor affecting the expression of opinions regarding choice in end-of-life medical services was the experience of being at someoneʼs deathbed.