A survey of opinions regarding wishes toward the end-of-life among Thai elderly.
BACKGROUND
Knowledge of wishes toward the end-of-life is crucial for carrying out high quality palliative care. However, advance directive is not commonly available among Thais, particularly for non-cancerous older patients.


OBJECTIVE
The present study aimed to explore Thai older person's wishes toward cares needed at the end-of-life.


METHODS
A convenience sample of 100 older patients, who attended geriatric clinic at a university hospital in Thailand, was recruited. A 3-page questionnaire developed to suit Thai culture was utilized to elicit opinions concerning circumstances around end-of-life period.


RESULTS
All participants were Buddhists with mean age of 75.9 (8.2). Toward the end-of-life, the majority wanted to know the truth about their illnesses and to be free from uncomfortable symptoms. Seventy-five percent did not want "prolong-life" treatments when chance of surviving is slim. Age less than 70 and having education of no more than 6 years were factors associated with being unwilling to prolong suffering with OR of 9.88 (1.20-81.57, p = 0.03) and 3.15 (1.11-8.95, p = 0.03), respectively. Interestingly, fifty-six percent of elderly did not want to die at home. Age less than 70 was the only factor significantly associated with being unwilling to die at home with OR of 2.80 (95% CI = 1.05-7.47, p = 0.04).


CONCLUSIONS
The present study illustrated older persons' opinions in relation to cares at the end-of-life from a Thai perspective, which showed some similarities and differences when compared to western countries. These opinions should be crucial for carrying out optimal and qualitative end-of-life care for older people when advanced care planning is not in place for the individual.
Varalak
V
Srinonprasert
Aksara
A
Kajornkijaroen
Patawee Na
PN
Bangchang
Genis
G
Wangtrakuldee
Janewit
J
Wongboonsin
Vanasiri
V
Kuptniratsaikul
Sakaorat
S
Kornbongkotmas
Jintana
J
Assanasen
Rungnirand
R
Praditsuwan
D032722:Advance Care Planning; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002016:Buddhism; D002908:Chronic Disease; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013727:Terminal Care; D013785:Thailand