Attitudes toward Advance Directives of Older Adults using Senior Centers

Abstract

Purpose: The aims of this study were to identify attitudes toward advance directives (ADs) of community dwelling older adults and factors related to ADs. Methods: Participants were 180 older Korean adults (mean age=74.2 years, 70.6% women) from two senior centers in a metropolitan city in South Korea. Data were collected through face to face interviews during September, 2011. The Advanced Directives Attitude Survey (ADAS) and questionnaires including socio-demographic and health related characteristics were used. Data were analyzed using t-test, one-way ANOVA, and ScheffétestScheffétest. Results: The mean score for ADAS was 45.12, which showed elders' positive attitudes toward ADs. Of the elders, 61.1% agreed to prepare ADs. The socio-demographic characteristics of age, level of education, and monthly income were significantly related to the elders' attitudes toward ADs. In addition, medical service use, medical expenses, experiences of significant others' admission in intensive care units and death were significantly related factors to the elders' attitudes toward ADs. Conclusion: Findings from this study suggest that thoughtful approaches with respect for values and attitudes of older adults need to be considered in adapting ADs to Korean health care systems.