Children's Role in End-of-Life Medical Decisions in China
Author Information
Author(s): Chen Lu, Zhang Wenjun
Primary Institution: Renmin University of China
Hypothesis
The study investigates how the number of children and their financial contributions affect end-of-life medical decisions for older adults in China.
Conclusion
Families with fewer children are more likely to pursue all treatments and face financial pressure, while those with more children may experience over-treatment.
Supporting Evidence
- Families with fewer children were more likely to pursue all potential treatments.
- Families with shared financial responsibilities by certain children faced more financial strain.
- Older adults with more children were more likely to be overtreated.
Takeaway
In China, how many children you have can change how families make decisions about medical care for older parents, especially when money is tight.
Methodology
The study used data from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey 2020 to analyze the role of children in end-of-life decisions.
Participant Demographics
Older decedents who had passed away due to illness.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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