Predictors of institutionalization in patients with dementia in Korea.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Many studies have sought to determine the predictors of institutionalization of patients with dementia. Such studies, performed in developed western societies, have come to various conclusions which may not be supported in an East Asian culture such as that found in Korea. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the factors that predict institutionalization of patients in Korea diagnosed with dementia. METHODS: Seventy-nine cases (37 institutionalized, 42 community-dwelling) in the Kwangju area were evaluated for patient characteristics, severity of dementia symptoms, caregiver characteristics, burden and distress. Logistic regression was performed to determine predictors of actual institutionalization. RESULTS: Six predictors of institutionalization were identified. Of these, three were patient-related factors higher score on the Clinical Dementia Rating, higher score on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, and shorter duration of dementia. The other three were caregiver-related factors younger age, higher education (formal schooling), and higher cost of home care. CONCLUSIONS: As seen in previous western studies, institutionalization of dementia sufferers was influenced by both patient and caregiver factors. But, the specific predictors and their relative influences might be explained best by the particular social, cultural and economic situation in Korea. This study was the first of its kind in Korea and, as such, could serve as a reference for future intra-cultural and cross-cultural comparisons.