Palliative Care Knowledge Among People in Southern Population of Thailand
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31584/psumj.2025272971Keywords:
community, knowledge, palliative careAbstract
Objective: To evaluate the level of knowledge and associated factors regarding palliative care among the Southern Thailand population.
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among participants aged 18 years and above. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that included sections on sociodemographic characteristics, experiences and education related to palliative care. Statistical analyses were performed using descriptive analysis and inferential analysis; including the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and multivariate linear regression.
Results: The majority of respondents were female (68.6%), with a mean age of 55 years. Most participants identified as Buddhist (92.8%) and had primary school education (40.8%). A significant proportion of respondents had no experience with or formal education in palliative care (71.1% and 86.1%, respectively). Moreover, half of the respondents misunderstood that palliative care is solely for end-of-life patients; additionally, 75.8% incorrectly understood that an advanced care plan is only conducted appropriatly when patients can no longer make decisions. Palliative care knowledge scores were significantly associated with education level, age, income and palliative care experience (p-value<0.01).
Conclusion: While there is general awareness of palliative care among respondents, significant misunderstandings exist regarding its criteria and services. Enhancing public knowledge through targeted information and education is crucial to improve the understanding and accessibility of palliative care.
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