The study examined knowledge, attitudes, and preference for hospice care comparing among 262 Chinese American senior center members. Interviews were conducted in Mandarin (57.3%) and Cantonese (42.7%). Measures included a five-item scale to measure knowledge, a 13-item scale to measure attitudes, and a single question about whether the senior would want hospice care if near the end of life. Cantonese speakers had more positive attitudes toward hospice care than Mandarin speakers, when controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, health status, religiosity and acculturation, Cantonese speakers had more a positive attitude toward hospice care than Mandarin speakers (p = .02). Despite this, there was no difference by language in respondents would want hospice care by themselves. There were also no differences by language group in knowledge about hospice. Reasons for the differences – and lack of difference – by language group will be discussed.
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