Racial Differences in Advance Care Planning in San Antonio, Texas
Author Information
Author(s): Dao Jonathan, Kittleman Cory, Gangupantula Pratima, Siby Ninette, Kakulavar Avinash, Gogia Rhea, Morrow Jason
Primary Institution: The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio
Hypothesis
There are racial disparities in the completion of advance directives among older adults in San Antonio, Texas.
Conclusion
White older adults are more likely to have completed advance directives compared to Hispanic and African American older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Only 45.6% of older adults have filled out an advance directive.
- 37.5% of Hispanic, 40% of African American, and 61.5% of White respondents reported previously completing an advance directive.
- A higher proportion of White older adults had completed an MPOA, AD, and were offered help by a physician than African American or Hispanic/Latino older adults.
- 68% of respondents were never offered help from a doctor to complete an advance directive.
Takeaway
This study found that older white adults are more likely to have filled out important end-of-life care documents than older Hispanic and Black adults.
Methodology
Pre- and post-surveys were conducted to assess demographics and attitudes regarding advance directives.
Limitations
The study may not fully represent all older adults in San Antonio due to the specific community centers chosen for presentations.
Participant Demographics
50 respondents were older adults over 65 years old, with a mean age of 74.8; 48% identified as Hispanic/Latino, 30% as African American, and 25% as White.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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