Factors Affecting Long-Term Care Preferences in Turkey

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to identify the long-term care preferences and the factors affecting theses preferences in Turkish society, where long-term care may soon become an important issue. Methods:We applied data from the Family Structure Survey of Turkey conducted in 2016.Using data from 35,475 individuals, we performed descriptive analysis and logistic regressions to determine the preferences and determinants of individuals based on the Andersen Behavior Model.Results: Informal care was the main preference of individuals living in Turkey (37%). Men, individuals living in an extended family, and the young mostly favored informal care, while women, well-educated individuals, and urban individuals preferred institutional or formal care at home. Conclusion:Efforts should be made to raise individuals' awareness regarding existing longterm care services. These services should be strengthened in line with society's preferences, considering regional differences.

Willingness to purchase institutionalised elderly services and influencing factors among Chinese older adults: a nationwide cross-sectional study

“…The willingness to purchase institutional care services was weaker among older adults with more children. Similar phenomena have been reported in studies conducted in countries such as China and Turkey 25–27. This finding suggests that children are an important resource for elderly people in their old age and that taking turns taking care of elderly adults is still the mainstream concept of old age in society.…”

“…34 The high cost of expenses may have led to a significant reduction in the willingness of elderly people to purchase institutional care services. In addition, when older adults are in poor health, they prefer their relatives to be by their side, 27 which further reduces their willingness to purchase institutionalised elderly care services.…”

“…Similar phenomena have been reported in studies conducted in countries such as China and Turkey. [25][26][27] This finding suggests that children are an important resource for elderly people in their old age and that taking turns taking care of elderly adults is still the mainstream concept of old age in society. However, with the development of society and economy, the young generation is currently facing the double pressure of career and family 28 ; thus, whether the traditional concept of old age can succeed requires further research.…”

Decadal Descriptive Analysis of Health Status, Hospitalization, Intensive Care Admissions, and Mortality Rates Among the Elderly Population in Turkey (2012-2022)

“…This pattern, accentuated during the pandemic years, mirrors the global narrative of the increased vulnerability of the elderly to COVID-19 and the resultant strain on the healthcare system. The higher hospitalisation rates among males than females suggest the need for further exploration of sex-specific health behaviours and disease prevalence, as suggested by the longterm care preference findings of Guduk (2022) (6).…”

“…Furthermore, advancements in medical technology and healthcare delivery have impacted the health trends of the elderly. Improved access to healthcare services, treatments, and medications has contributed to managing age-related conditions and overall health outcomes in the elderly population (6).…”