Adults’ perspectives on cultural, social and professional support on end-of-life preferences

Background: Diverse cultures and social contexts can exhibit different values, religious meaning systems, social norms concerned with social responsibility and interpersonal and family relations. These factors play an essential role in individuals’ decisions and preferences for end-of-life care. 

Aims: To explore Taiwanese adults’ perspectives on the influences of cultural, social and contextual factors on preferences for end-of-life care.

Methods: A semi-structured face-to-face interview approach and content analysis were used. A total of 16 adults were recruited.

Findings: Major themes identified as influencing factors included social, cultural and religious aspects, professional and community resources, perceptions about end-of-life services and attitudes toward death and dying. 

Discussion: This suggests that people's end-of-life preferences can be influenced by social and cultural norms, the adequacy of systems for advance care planning, knowledge about advance directives and palliative care, and emotional reactions toward death and dying. 

Conclusions: Findings provided insight into adults’ perspectives on how cultural, social norms and religious values and professional support shape individuals’ beliefs and attitudes toward death and dying as well as in end-of-life decision making. These findings contribute to our understanding of adults’ end-of-life preferences and provide guidance for health professionals and communities in assisting Taiwanese people plan for the end of life.