Exploring the Impact of Social Factors on Attitudes Toward Death in Elderly Adults in Malaysia's

• Published in: RGSA : Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental Vol. 17; no. 2; pp. e03333 - 15
• Main Authors: Ngah, Farhah Hanun, Manap, Jamiah, Sitinjak, Charli, Sobirov, Bobur
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: São Paulo Centro Universitário da FEI, Revista RGSA 04.05.2023
• Subjects: Adults; Attitudes; Death; End of life; Mental health; Mortality; Older people; Palliative care; Social factors; Valleys; Malaysia
• ISSN: 1981-982X; 1981-982X
• DOI: 10.24857/rgsa.v17n2-006

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate attitudes toward death among older adults in Malaysia's Klang Valley and to identify the social factors that influence these attitudes.   Theoretical framework: The study was based on the theoretical framework that death attitudes can have a significant impact on the physical and mental health of the elderly, as well as on their acceptance of care and quality of death.   Method/design/approach: A cross-sectional survey was conducted, involving 165 older adults in Malaysia's Klang Valley. The study used nonparametric tests to investigate the social factors that influence attitudes toward death in the elderly.   Results and conclusion: The study found that the various dimensions of death attitudes among older adults in Malaysia are influenced by one or more factors, including the number of illnesses, discussions about life and death, marital status, and income. These findings contribute to expanding knowledge about death attitudes among older adults and provide a reference for understanding attitudes toward death in the elderly.   Research implications: The study has important implications for healthcare providers and policy makers who work with older adults, as it highlights the need to consider social factors that may influence attitudes toward death and end-of-life care. The findings also suggest the need for more research in this area to better understand and address the attitudes and needs of older adults as they approach the end of their lives.