Abstract
Background/aims: The fear of losing dignity is a significant concern for
patients with life-limiting illnesses. Dignity, defined as being worthy and
esteemed, could be influenced by gender. But in the context of hospice
care, gender differences are poorly studied. We aim to unravel the association between dignity and multidimensional symptoms and concerns
(MDSC) for men and women in hospice care.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study conducted from October
to December 2021, 51 Dutch hospices were randomly selected, 45
enrolled. All patients admitted to these hospices were eligible, except
patients with cognitive impairment or a lack of proficiency in Dutch or
English.
Dignity was assessed using a single-item Dignity scale.
MDSC were assessed using the Utrecht Symptom Diary-four dimensional
(USD-4D) comprised 18 items:
• Value of Life: 1 item
• Socio-Spiritual concerns: 5 items
• Psychological symptoms: 2 items
• Physical symptoms : 9 items
• Unwell-being: 1 item
All items were assessed on a 0-10 numerical scale
The correlation between dignity and MDSC was analyzed using
Spearman’s Rho (<0.19 =very weak, 0.20-0.39=weak, 0.40-0.59=moderate, 0.60-0.79 =strong, and >0.80=very strong).
Results: 102 patients were enrolled, aged 78.8, 57% women, and 43%
widow, 79% had cancer.
Overall, dignity was moderately correlated with taking time for self, balance in life, unwell-being, and the value of life.
Gender specific analysis showed differences between men and women.
For men, pain correlated strongly to dignity, but very weakly for women.
Furthermore, for men anorexia, feeling different, take time for self, letting loved ones go, and balance in life moderately correlated to dignity,
where for women the correlations were weak.
Conclusions: Overall, the socio-spiritual items of the USD-4D primarily
correlated with dignity. Furthermore, both the symptoms and concerns
correlated to dignity and their strength of correlation differed between
men and women. Innovative qualitative research is needed to better
comprehend gender related differences in dignity to ameliorate dignity
conserving hospice care
patients with life-limiting illnesses. Dignity, defined as being worthy and
esteemed, could be influenced by gender. But in the context of hospice
care, gender differences are poorly studied. We aim to unravel the association between dignity and multidimensional symptoms and concerns
(MDSC) for men and women in hospice care.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study conducted from October
to December 2021, 51 Dutch hospices were randomly selected, 45
enrolled. All patients admitted to these hospices were eligible, except
patients with cognitive impairment or a lack of proficiency in Dutch or
English.
Dignity was assessed using a single-item Dignity scale.
MDSC were assessed using the Utrecht Symptom Diary-four dimensional
(USD-4D) comprised 18 items:
• Value of Life: 1 item
• Socio-Spiritual concerns: 5 items
• Psychological symptoms: 2 items
• Physical symptoms : 9 items
• Unwell-being: 1 item
All items were assessed on a 0-10 numerical scale
The correlation between dignity and MDSC was analyzed using
Spearman’s Rho (<0.19 =very weak, 0.20-0.39=weak, 0.40-0.59=moderate, 0.60-0.79 =strong, and >0.80=very strong).
Results: 102 patients were enrolled, aged 78.8, 57% women, and 43%
widow, 79% had cancer.
Overall, dignity was moderately correlated with taking time for self, balance in life, unwell-being, and the value of life.
Gender specific analysis showed differences between men and women.
For men, pain correlated strongly to dignity, but very weakly for women.
Furthermore, for men anorexia, feeling different, take time for self, letting loved ones go, and balance in life moderately correlated to dignity,
where for women the correlations were weak.
Conclusions: Overall, the socio-spiritual items of the USD-4D primarily
correlated with dignity. Furthermore, both the symptoms and concerns
correlated to dignity and their strength of correlation differed between
men and women. Innovative qualitative research is needed to better
comprehend gender related differences in dignity to ameliorate dignity
conserving hospice care
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 236 |
| Journal | Palliative Medicine |
| Volume | 38 |
| Issue number | S1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2024 |
| Event | European Association of Palliative Care World Research Congress - Barcelona, Spain Duration: 16 May 2024 → 18 May 2024 https://eapccongress.eu/2024/ |