Socioeconomic Status and Resuscitation Preferences in the Elderly

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Abstract
Elderly subjects (N = 166) of varying socioeconomic backgrounds from two sites were given identical resuscitation information and were studied to determine the relationship between socioeconomic status and resuscitation preferences. Resuscitation preferences varied among the four hypothetical scenarios. Univariate analyses revealed that those who were older, male, non-Caucasian, less educated, and had less income desired more cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the scenarios. Multivanate analysis limited significant variables to age, gender, race, and level of education. Thus there appears to be a strong relationship between socioeconomic status and desire for CPR. Future research should evaluate whether the sociodemographic variables represent proxy variables for underlying life values that may influence resuscitation preferences. Implications for CPR decision making and health policy are discussed.

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