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. 2018 Jan;46(1):175-184.
doi: 10.1177/0300060517710857. Epub 2017 Jul 31.

Understanding ageing: fear of chronic diseases later in life

Halimah Awang  1 , Norma Mansor  1   2 , Tey Nai Peng  2 , Nik Ainoon Nik Osman  1   3
Affiliations

Understanding ageing: fear of chronic diseases later in life

Halimah Awang et al. J Int Med Res. 2018 Jan.

Abstract

Objectives Ageing is often associated with deteriorating mental and physical health and the need for long-term care, creating a fear of ageing. We investigated what people fear most in terms of disabling chronic diseases and their concerns regarding having long-term illnesses. Methods Data were obtained from an online survey of 518 respondents aged 40 years and older residing in Malaysia, which was based on a convenience sample collected in May 2015 to January 2016. Data were analyzed using chi-squared tests and multinomial logistic regression. Results Of the most dreaded diseases, heart disease and cancer are life-threatening; however, dementia, diabetes, and hypertension persist and have a disabling effect for a long time. While there were variations in the diseases feared most across sex, ethnicity, and place of residence, the biggest worry for all respondents with regard to having a long-term illness was that they would become a burden to their family, a concern that superseded fear of dying. Conclusions We found our survey respondents had a fear of chronic diseases and placing a burden on others. Thus, there is a need to provide motivation for people to adopt a healthy lifestyle, to remain healthy.

Keywords: Ageing; burden to family; disabling diseases; dying; fear; multinomial logistic regression.

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