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Chinese seniors' perspectives on end-of-life decisions

Author

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  • Bowman, Kerry W.
  • Singer, Peter A.

Abstract

Making end-of-life decisions is a painful and difficult process; one that can be intensified by cultural differences between physicians and their patients. The objective of this study was to examine attitudes of Chinese seniors towards end-of-life decisions. We conducted a qualitative survey in a Chinese community centre in Toronto, Canada. Face-to-face interviews, in Cantonese, were conducted with 40 Chinese seniors 65 years of age or older. Respondents based their end-of-life decision making on the following factors: hope, suffering and burden, the future, emotional harmony, the life cycle, respect for doctors, and the family. Respondents rejected advance directives. Respondents' attitudes toward end-of-life decision making can be understood through the lens of values from Confucianist, Buddhist and Taoist traditions. Health care workers can best achieve quality end-of-life care -- and address the cultural differences that may arise -- by focusing primarily on understanding the perspectives of patients and their families, and by continually striving for balanced and open communication at all stages of the caregiving process.

Suggested Citation

  • Bowman, Kerry W. & Singer, Peter A., 2001. "Chinese seniors' perspectives on end-of-life decisions," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 53(4), pages 455-464, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:53:y:2001:i:4:p:455-464
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    Cited by:

    1. Semra Ozdemir, 2015. "Improving the Validity of Stated-Preference Data in Health Research: The Potential of the Time-to-Think Approach," The Patient: Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Springer;International Academy of Health Preference Research, vol. 8(3), pages 247-255, June.
    2. Jing Liao & Bei Wu & Jing Mao & Ping Ni, 2020. "Preference for Aggressive End-of-Life Care among Advanced Cancer Patients in Wuhan, China: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-14, September.
    3. Zivkovic, Tanya, 2018. "Forecasting and foreclosing futures: The temporal dissonance of advance care directives," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 215(C), pages 16-22.
    4. Carmen W. H. Chan & Martin M. H. Wong & Kai Chow Choi & Helen Y. L. Chan & Amy Y. M. Chow & Raymond S. K. Lo & Michael M. K. Sham, 2019. "Prevalence, Perception, and Predictors of Advance Directives among Hong Kong Chinese: A Population-Based Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-17, January.
    5. Aeju Kim & Yucheon Kim & Jongtae Rhee & Songyi Lee & Youngil Jeong & Jeongeun Lee & Youngeun Yoo & Haechan Kim & Hyeonji So & Junhyeong Park, 2022. "A Study on Emotions to Improve the Quality of Life of South Korean Senior Patients Residing in Convalescent Hospitals," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-21, November.
    6. Hu, Wen-Yu & Huang, Chien-Hsun & Chiu, Tai-Yuan & Hung, Shou-Hung & Peng, Jen-Kuei & Chen, Ching-Yu, 2010. "Factors that influence the participation of healthcare professionals in advance care planning for patients with terminal cancer: A nationwide survey in Taiwan," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 70(11), pages 1701-1704, June.
    7. Li-Shan Ke & Hui-Chuan Cheng & Chien-Liang Liu & Yu-Chen Ku & Ming-Ju Lee & Yin-Ling Lin & Hsiu-Ying Huang, 2023. "Taiwanese Older Adults Prefer to Use Antibiotics and Intravenous Infusion at the End of Life based on a Cartoon Version of the Life Support Preferences Questionnaire," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-14, February.
    8. Amberyce Ang & Loy Liang Meng, 2020. "Using Vignettes to Conduct a Dynamic Value-based Approach to Advance Care Planning," Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research, Biomedical Research Network+, LLC, vol. 31(3), pages 24291-24297, October.
    9. Zivkovic, Tanya, 2021. "About face: Relationalities of ageing and dying in Chinese migrant families," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 291(C).

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