• André Hajek, Thomas Lehnert, Annemarie Wegener, Steffi G Riedel-Heller, and Hans-Helmut König.
• Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg.
• Patient Prefer Adher. 2018 Jan 1; 12: 71-78.

PurposeThus far, there is little evidence concerning the factors associated with preferences for autonomy in long-term care. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the correlates of preferences for autonomy in long-term care among older individuals in Germany.MethodsData were gathered from a population-based survey of the German population aged ≥65 years in 2015 (N=1,006).ResultsMultiple logistic regressions revealed that preferences for freedom of choice for foods were positively associated with living with partner or spouse (OR: 1.5 [1.0-2.2]), being born in Germany (OR: 1.9 [1.1-3.3]), and lower self-rated health (OR: 1.3 [1.1-1.6]). Preferences for freedom in choosing bedtime and sleep duration were positively associated with lower age (OR: 1.1 [1.0-1.1]) and having children (OR: 2.2 [1.0-4.9]). Preferences for customized living space were positively associated with being female (OR: 2.5 [1.4-4.5]) and being born in Germany (OR: 3.7 [1.9-7.1]). Neither preferences for decent and sanitary housing nor preferences for shared decision-making were associated with any of the independent variables.ConclusionVarious independent variables were associated with preferences for autonomy in long-term care. This suggests that preferences for care-related autonomy are complex. Knowing these might help refine long-term care health services.

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