PURPOSE
This study was conducted to identify factors that influence on self-determination for withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in the community dwelling elderly.
METHODS
This study used a descriptive correlational design. A convenience sample of 201 elderly were recruited from a welfare center located in Seoul, Korea. Data collection was done from September 1 to September 18, 2015. Four survey questionnaires were used: Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Life Satisfaction Index-Z (LSI-Z), Attitude on Do Not Resuscitate (DNR), and Self-determination for Withdrawing Life-sustaining Treatment. Data analysis was done by t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and hierrarchical multiple regression.
RESULTS
Hierarchial multiple regression showed that the factors predicting the level of self-determination for withdrawing life-sustaining treatment were educational level, DNR experience in family, life satisfaction, and DNR attitude. These factors explained 44% of the self-determination for withdrawing life-sustaining treatment in community dwelling elderly.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study suggest developing educational programs aiming at changing elderly's DNR attitude positive ways so that they can enhance self-determination for withdrawing life-sustaining treatment. Further study is needed with more elderly population in extended areas.

Citations

• Influence of Advance Directives' Self-efficacy of Community-dwelling Older Adults on the Completion of Advance Directives: Mediating the Effect of Intention for Advance Directives: A Cross-Sectional Study
  Hyun Sook Kim, Gye Jeong Yeom
  Journal of Korean Gerontological Nursing.2022; 24(2): 133.     CrossRef
• Factors influencing intention to use life-sustaining treatment of community-dwelling older adults using the 2020 national survey of older Koreans: Secondary analysis research
  Yun Hee Hwang, Hye Jung Jun, Hye-Ryeon Park
  Journal of Korean Gerontological Nursing.2022; 24(4): 424.     CrossRef
• Influence of Older Person's Ego Integrity and Knowledge of Advance Directives on their Attitude toward Withdrawal from Life-sustaining Treatment
  Eun Yi Yeom, Kum Sook Seo
  Journal of Korean Gerontological Nursing.2019; 21(3): 173.     CrossRef