• Y F Chan, R W Parsons, and L Piterman.
• Department of Public Health, University of Western Australia.
• Aust Fam Physician. 2000 Sep 1; 29 (9): 894899894-9.

ObjectiveTo examine Chinese attitudes to institutional care of their aged and to identify the factors that influence these attitudes.MethodA cross sectional survey of 815 randomly selected members of the Chung Wah Association, Western Australia was undertaken in 1997 using a mailed self administered questionnaire. The survey instrument was developed through a literature review, interviews and pilot testings and consisted of categorical and noncategorical items. The data were analysed using the SAS (V 6.12) software package. Factor analysis, logistic regression and Chi-square analysis were used on the data. The statistical significance level was set at p < or = 0.05.ResultsA total of 431 (53%) completed responses were received. The study showed that 86% of the respondents agreed that the disabled elderly should be institutionalised. Age contributed mainly to the respondents' attitudes to institutionalising the disabled elderly, while the respondents' sex, education, occupation, country of origin and length of residence in Australia did not. Social responsibilities together with the health factors of the elderly had important effects on these attitudes. About 55% of respondents agreed that their Chinese culture influenced their attitude. Only 21% of the respondents agreed that the nondisabled elderly should be institutionalised, 54% disagreed, while 24% remained neutral. Respondents who were likely to institutionalise their disabled elderly were also unlikely to live with their children when they became disabled. A majority of respondents were in favour of government funding of institutions and care givers of the elderly.ConclusionThe study provided several important observations and information for health planners and general practitioners to identify the aged at risk of institutionalisation and make arrangements for community support for effected families so that the aged can be encouraged to remain with their families.

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