Intentions to use long-term care: Exploring the Y generation

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: Little attention is paid to understand Generation Y’s views about institutional placement. This study investigated the Y generation’s intentions to use long-term institutional care services. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional descriptive survey design. The proportionate sampling method was applied. A questionnaire including a scale of attitudes toward long-term care (LTC) institutions, an item of perceived norms toward LTC institutions, and an item of intentions to use LTC institutions when aging was developed. A total of 609 university senior students returned the questionnaires (90% response rate). Descriptive statistics were applied to all variables. Predictor variables were analyzed by a multiple regression. Results: The respondents had moderate levels of intention to use LTC institutions when they age. Based on the regression, attitudes toward LTC institutions (P < .001) and perceived norms toward LTC institutions (P < .001) were predictors of intention to use LTC institutions when they age. The variance in intentions to use LTC institutions when they age explained by attitudes toward LTC institutions and perceived norms toward LTC institutions was about 24%. Conclusion: Study findings imply that it is vital to investigate attitudes and perceptions about institutional care services utilization among people of all ages as the society rapidly changes.