Abstract
Being one of the fastest aging countries, Korea is faced with various end-of-life (EOL) issues. However, little is known about what affects older adults’ views toward EOL options, such as use of life-sustaining treatments (LSTs). To address the gap, this study aimed to examine the relationship between attitude toward LSTs and background characteristics among older adults in South Korea. Using a national survey data of 10,267 older adults, binomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the likelihood of willingness to receive LSTs with background characteristics. The correlations (.02 ≤ r ≤ .04) and tolerance statistics (≥ .40) were checked during preliminary analysis. Though very few participants (4%) agreed to receive LSTs, some significant relationships were found: those who were female (OR=.24, p=.03) and older (OR = .02, p = .00) and had higher geriatric depression score (OR = .05, p =.02) and more close friends and neighbors to talk openly with (OR= .08, p = .00) were more likely to agree to receive LSTs. However, those having any religion (OR= -.19, p = .03) were less likely to do so. This result suggests that religion in Korean culture may play a role in older adults’ preference for LSTs and may provide a buffering effect against the pursuit of aggressive treatments. Our society should recognize the potential burden of LSTs among Korean older adults and should consider factors, such as gender, age, mental health, and social relationship, in EOL discussion about LSTs and alternative EOL care options.