Factors influencing intention to use life-sustaining treatment of community-dwelling older adults using the 2020 national survey of older Koreans: Secondary analysis research

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the intention to use life-sustaining treatment for older adults living in a local community, and the factors that influence the intention to use life-sustaining treatment. Methods: A total of 9,555 older adults were selected and analyzed using 2020 National Survey of Older Koreans data. A Rao-Scott test was conducted to evaluate the differences in sociodemographics, health status, death preparation education experience, and life satisfaction according to intention to use life-sustaining treatment. Results: Economic status (odds ratio [OR]=1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.00~1.90), social support (OR=4.78, 95% CI=1.16~19.74), and life satisfaction (OR=1.53, 95% CI=1.12~2.09) were identified as significant influencing factors in the older adults’ life-sustaining treatment intentions. In other words, when satisfaction with economic conditions is moderate or low, when there is social support, and when life satisfaction is moderate, life-sustaining treatment intention was high. Conclusion: Education programs for life-sustaining treatment should be provided for older adults living in this community.