Prevalence, Perception, and Predictors of Advance Directives among Hong Kong Chinese: A Population-Based Survey

Carmen W. H. Chan, Martin M. H. Wong, Kai Chow Choi, Helen Y. L. Chan, Amy Y. M. Chow, Raymond S. K. Lo and Michael M. K. Sham
Additional contact information
Carmen W. H. Chan: The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Martin M. H. Wong: The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Kai Chow Choi: The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Helen Y. L. Chan: The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Amy Y. M. Chow: Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Raymond S. K. Lo: Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Shatin Hospital, Hong Kong
Michael M. K. Sham: Palliative Medical Unit, Grantham Hospital, Hong Kong

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 3, 1-17

Abstract: Advance directives (AD) can be used for the communication of healthcare decisions that may be required in the future when individuals have lost their capacity to make such decisions. The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence, perception, and predictors of AD completion in the Hong Kong general population with a diverse culture. Through random-digit dialing, a population-based telephone survey was conducted with participants aged 18 or above. Socio-demographic characteristics, self-perception and health status, prevalence of AD, and perceptions related to AD were assessed. The acceptance on completing AD was measured by the summed score on the level of agreement in making AD. In total, 2002 participants completed the survey, with only 0.5% having made AD. However, the majority of those who had heard about AD had made or intended to make AD (80.2%). Multivariable regression analysis showed that being religious, being optimistic, and agreeing to respect patients’ wishes are independently associated with higher AD acceptance. Being a student is associated with lower AD acceptance. The extremely low completion rate of AD, but high acceptance of AD urges for more active promotion of AD to the public and education on end-of-life care among university students.

Keywords: advance directives; advance care planning; end-of-life; population-based survey; telephone survey; Chinese (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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