Attitude about Advanced Directives among Middle-aged Using Q Methodology

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 1 st type named “yes, in principle” agreed to sign up advanced directives and disagreed life-long treatment. The people belonged to the 2^nd 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 3^rd 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.