title: Survey of willingness to accept chemotherapy among elderly Malaysian patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The geriatric population in Malaysia is predicted to increase from 4% of the total population in 1998 to 9.8% by 2020, in parallel with developments in the socioeconomy. Cancer is expected to be a major medical issue among this population. However, the decision for treatment in Malaysia is always decided by the caregivers instead of the elderly patients themselves.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to assess the willingness to accept chemotherapy among elderly Malaysians.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this cross-sectional study, patients aged 60 and above from various clinics/wards were recruited. Those giving consent were interviewed using a questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 75 patients were recruited, 35 patients (47%) with a history of cancer. The median age was 73 years old. There were 29 Chinese (38.7%), 22 Indian (29.3%), 20 Malay (26.7%) and four other ethnicity patients. Some 83% and 73% of patients willing to accept strong and mild chemotherapy, respectively. Patients with cancer were more willing to accept strong and mild chemotherapy compared to the non-cancer group (88.6% vs 62.5%, P=0.005, 94% vs 80%, P=0.068). On sub-analysis, 71.4% and 42.9% of Chinese patients without a history of cancer were not willing to receive strong and mild chemotherapy, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The majority of elderly patients in UMMC were willing to receive chemotherapy if they had cancer. Experience with previous treatment had positive influence on the willingness to undergo chemotherapy.
authors.affiliation: Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. bpingchong@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Rizah Mazzuin
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Razali
authors.forename: Ping Chong
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Bee
authors.forename: Gin Gin
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Gan
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008296:Malaysia; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011379:Prognosis; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires