Purpose
The purpose of this study was to assess the research performance during Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic among nursing researchers. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted for Korean Society of Adult Nursing where 103 subjects participated from April 15 to May 14, 2021. The survey tool developed by researchers had 32 items including difficulties in performing research activities, perception of the impact of COVID-19 on research validity, and three open-ended questions. Results: In the research planning phase, 88 subjects (90.7%) reported difficulties in the recruitment plan and 83 subjects (89.3%) reported difficulties selecting a research design. In the recruitment and data collection phase, 85 subjects (88.6%) had difficulties accessing data collection site and 78 subjects (85.7%) had difficulties in face-to-face data collection. In the provision of intervention phase (for experimental study), 26 subjects (66.7%) reported that they should have changed the method of delivery of intervention. In research administration and manpower management, 62 subjects (75.6%) reported difficulties in face-to-face meeting. In research outcome management, 65 subjects (85.5%) reported that they should have changed the way of research-related events. Lastly, 80 subjects (81.6%) perceived that difficulties caused by COVID-19 impacted research validity. Conclusion: Majority of participants perceived that the difficulties in research activities may decrease research validity. To ensure research quality during COVID-19 pandemic, we should recognize potential threats to research validity and actively pursue adaptable innovations of research designs and data collection methods.

PURPOSE
As advanced medical care has resulted in the unintended consequence of prolonging deaths, there is a growing interest in the decision to withhold life-sustaining treatments. The purpose of this study was to determine factors associated with the decision to withhold life-sustaining treatments in middle-aged and older adults who die in hospital in the United States.
METHODS
This cross-sectional correlational study conducted secondary analysis of 2000–2012 exit interview data from the Health and Retirement Study. Adults aged 50 and older who died in hospital and who had made a decision regarding life-sustaining treatments were included. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors related to the decision to withhold life-sustaining treatments.
RESULTS
Among 1,412 adults, the prevalence of the decision to withhold life-sustaining treatments was 61.1%. Significant factors associated with the decision to withhold life-sustaining treatments were being African American (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]=0.50, 95% Confidential Interval [CI]=0.30~0.86), Catholic (AOR=0.5, 95% CI=0.32~0.93), having at least one private insurance policy (AOR=1.40, 95% CI=1.02~1.92), having a living will (AOR=1.71, 95% CI=1.04~2.83), and having discussed end-of-life care with someone (AOR=1.810, 95% CI=1.25~2.62).
CONCLUSION
Differences in race and religious affiliation should be considered when older adults, family members, and health care providers make decisions regarding life-sustaining treatments at the end-of-life. Also, health insurance coverage for advance care planning makes it easier for people to discuss life-sustaining treatments with health care providers.