Preferences for end-of-life decisions: the perspetive of Portuguese old women and men

Authors

  • Ana Abrantes Psicologia. Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal, Campus Universitário de Santiago.
  • Liliana Sousa Departamento de Educação e Psicologia; CINTESIS, Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Serviços de Saúde. Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal, Campus Universitário de Santiago.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23925/2176-901X.2018v21i2p31-52

Keywords:

End-of-life, Old persons, Gender, Decision, Preferences.

Abstract

Currently, the majority of deads occurs in old persons in the sequency of a chronic terminal condition.  The objective of this study is to analyse preferences about information and decision making of young old persons (65-74 years) in a hypothetic situtation of terminal disease, comparing men and women. The sample comprises 60 participants: 30 men, 30 women. The Portuguese version of Prisma was administred by face to face interview. Main findings show that both men and women would prefer to be informed on the limited time of life, sintoms and problems, and care options; both favor the self involvement in decisions making. In terms of decision making, men (by comparison with women) show more preference for the spouse involvement. The understanding of old persons preferences is a relevant contribute to health profissionals, so they may deliver end of life care adjusted to the individuals.  

Keywords: End-of-life; Old persons; Gender; Decision; Preferences.

Author Biographies

Ana Abrantes, Psicologia. Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal, Campus Universitário de Santiago.

Psicóloga. Mestre em Psicologia da Saúde e Reabilitação Neuropsicológica, Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193. Aveiro, Portugal.

 

Liliana Sousa, Departamento de Educação e Psicologia; CINTESIS, Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Serviços de Saúde. Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal, Campus Universitário de Santiago.

Professora Associada, Departamento de Educação e Psicologia; CINTESIS, Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Serviços de Saúde. Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193. Aveiro, Portugal.

 

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Published

2018-06-30

How to Cite

Abrantes, A., & Sousa, L. (2018). Preferences for end-of-life decisions: the perspetive of Portuguese old women and men. Revista Kairós-Gerontologia, 21(2), 31–52. https://doi.org/10.23925/2176-901X.2018v21i2p31-52

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 2 (2018)

Section

Papers

License

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