Determinants of advance-directive completion for end-of-life preparedness among older Korean adults.

AIM: This study analyzed determinants of advance-directive (AD) completion for end-of-life preparedness among older Korean adults.

METHODS

The study used data from 9,796 individuals in the 2023 National Survey of Older Koreans. Complex-sample weighted analyses and multivariate logistic regression were conducted to identify factors associated with AD completion among older Koreans. Sociodemographic, health-status, and death-preparation characteristics were analyzed.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis revealed that the strongest predictors of AD completion were organ- or tissue-donation willingness, educational attainment, and writing a will. Other significant factors included funeral consultation and death-preparation education.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that death-preparation behaviors and end-of-life planning activities are significantly associated with AD completion among older Korean adults. Public-health strategies should support targeted education and communication interventions to improve older adults' engagement in advanced care planning.