Attitude about Advanced Directives among Middle-aged Using Q Methodology

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify type of attitude about advanced directives among the middle-aged using Q methodology.
Method/Statistical Analysis: For the Q population, an in-depth interview and literature review were used to select 34 Q samples for Q-sort. P-sample was made with 37 middle-aged and Q-sort was performed on a 9-point scale according to their subjective agreement. The analysis by PC-QUNAL program resulted in three types.
Findings: The result of this study showed 48.1% of total variance, with 20 people (38.2%) of Type 1, 12(5.7%) of Type 2, and 5(4.2%) of Type 3. The 1st type named “yes, in principle” agreed to sign up advanced directives and disagreed life-long treatment. The people belonged to the 2nd type absolutely agreed to sign up advanced directives and thought its decision should be made on their own. This type can be called “Yes, absolutely type.” The 3rd type is “Probably I will, But” type. It means that they will be responsible for everything that might happen by family deciding to stop life-long treatment. They are unlikely to stop life-long treatment from a parent or a child position.
Improvements/Applications: As the result of this study suggests, based on classification of attitude about advanced directives among the middle-aged, intervention program for the middle-aged will need to be developed and different, individualized intervention strategies provided.