Table 2 Gender Differences in Attitude Toward the Patient Autonomy Act (PAA) (Mean, SD)
Attitude Items1 | All | Men | Women | Independent two-sample t-test | Â |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mean (SD) | Mean (SD) | Mean (SD) | T-value | Cronbach’s a | |
Factor 1: Sense of abandonment | Â | Â | Â | Â | 0.79 |
With the PAA, I am basically waiting to die. | 1.83 (0.81) | 2.05 (0.73) | 1.62 (0.83) | -2.47* | Â |
With the PAA, I feel insecure about my medical treatments in the future. | 2.29 (0.99) | 2.45 (1.03) | 2.14 (0.95) | -1.37 | Â |
With the PAA, my quality of care will not be guaranteed. | 2.19 (0.86) | 2.42 (0.83) | 1.98 (0.84) | -2.38* | Â |
With the PAA, healthcare providers will no longer care for my medical conditions. | 1.88 (0.83) | 2.03 (0.82) | 1.74 (0.83) | -1.56 | Â |
Sum scores (5–20) | 8.18 (2.73) | 8.94 (2.46) | 7.48 (2.81) | -2.48* |  |
Factor 2: Support for patient autonomy | Â | Â | Â | Â | 0.74 |
PAA can reduce the pressure on family members to make decisions. | 4.06 (0.80) | 3.89 (0.80) | 4.21 (0.78) | 1.81 | Â |
PAA can make how I wish to be medically treated to be respected. | 4.30 (0.70) | 4.05 (0.70) | 4.52 (0.63) | 3.17** | Â |
Sum scores (5–10) | 8.36 (1.34) | 7.94 (1.37) | 8.74 (1.21) | 2.74** |  |
Factor 3: Collective good | Â | Â | Â | Â | 0.88 |
With the PAA, futile medical care can be reduced. | 4.10 (0.88) | 3.79 (0.91) | 4.38 (0.76) | 3.17** | Â |
With the PAA, healthcare providers will be protected from lawsuits while treating me how I wish to be medically treated. | 4.19 (0.66) | 3.92 (0.59) | 4.43 (0.63) | 3.72*** | Â |
With the PAA, waste in medical resources can be reduced. | 3.99 (089) | 3.68 (0.96) | 4.26 (0.73) | 3.04** | Â |
Sum scores (5–15) | 8.08 (1.07) | 7.47 (1.74) | 8.64 (1.41) | 3.32** |  |