| Popis: |
This study sought to clarify factors leading to suffocation among local older adults, in particular, individual and environmental characteristics of such incidences, in order to prevent their occurrence in this segment of the community. A qualitative inductive study design was employed. Ethnographic interviews with 7 experienced healthcare or welfare professionals (key informants) and 14 older adults aged 〓 65 years who were local residents (primary informants) were conducted. We then analyzed the data using the Haddon Matrix. Eight core categories were identified from the 48 and 92 codes that were generated. Five categories with regard to individual causes of suffocation were slow or declining physical function, emotions associated with loneliness and aging, day-to-day eating habits and food-related actions, aspirations and lurking self-esteem issues for dieting, recognition of frailty and the danger of choking by accident. Three categories of environmental factors leading to suffocation were found: the food environment status, such as the presence of dangerous tools that could cause suffocation; a social environment that supports food safety among older adults; and dietary compromises due to the caregiving environment and life. In conclusion, individual characteristics and environmental are expected to be interrelated, with more than one risk factor associated with suffocation. The study elucidated choking as a primary contributing factor that can be prevented. Thus, there is the need to pay attention to both environmental and individual characteristics of suffocation to arrive at pragmatic, effective prevention strategies. |
