Attitudes and Perceptions of Chinese Older Adults toward the Use of Home‐care Robots

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MC Cheung 1; Y Shi 2; Z Zhang 2; RP Che 1; YX Ruan 1; N Kodate 3; S Donnelly 3; X Liu 4; S Suwa 5; W Yu 5; D Kong 1; YM Leung 1
1. The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China; 2. Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, China; 3. University College Dublin, Ireland; 4. Zhejiang University, China; 5. Chiba University, Japan
Scientific Research
SP - Health Service Research
Primary and Community Care

Abstract

Introduction: The exponential growth of the older population on a global scale, coupled with their escalating demand for care, has significantly exacerbated the existing shortage of qualified caregivers. This situation is particularly relevant in the Chinese context due to the weakening of the filial piety tradition, which places the responsibility of care for older adults (OA) on family members. Against this backdrop, there has been a growing development of smart technologies, such as care robots, designed to assist in long-term care for OA, which serves as a potential solution to challenges associated with caring for the older population. The study conducted by our research team between 2018 to 2019 in Ireland indicated that around 65% and 48% of OA were open to and willing to use care robots (Kodate et al., 2020). Extending from this previous study, this study aimed to understand the attitudes and perceptions of OA toward the development and social implementation of home-care robots in Mainland China. 

Method: 482 community-dwelling Chinese OA (age: 69.92 ± 6.94; male: 146, female 336) in Shanghai, China were interviewed through a structured questionnaire developed by our research team using a cross-sectional survey design. 

Results: The results showed that most Chinese OA were open to using home-care robots (around 80%) and were willing to use them when receiving home-care services (around 64%). Gender difference was observed that male Chinese OA were more open and willing to use home-care robots than their female counterparts (p < 0.05). Moreover, the level of education also affected their openness and willingness. OA with tertiary education or above tended to be more receptive toward home-care robots than those with primary or secondary education (p < 0.05). Regarding the services provided by home-care robots, no significant difference was found in relation to gender and education levels. 

Conclusions: Similar to the findings in our previous study among Western respondents, there were generally positive attitudes and perceptions of using home-care robots among Chinese OA.