Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing (한국보건간호학회지)

Korean Society of public Health Nursing (한국보건간호학회)
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Death Anxiety and Dignified Death Attitudes of Pre-Elderly Who Opt for Signing Advance Directives

예비노인의 사전연명의료의향서 작성 여부에 따른 죽음불안과 품위있는 죽음태도의 차이

  • 양소명 (원광대학교병원 간호부) ;
  • 황은희 (원광대학교 의과대학 간호학과)
  • Received : 2020.06.09
  • Accepted : 2020.07.27
  • Published : 2020.08.31
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Abstract

Purpose: This study attempts to provide basic data for establishing and implementing an advanced directive (AD) system that helps identify dignified death attitudes and reduces death anxiety of the preliminary, through preparation of an AD. Methods: Data were collected from 135 preliminary elderly aged 55 to 64 years, recruited from health centers and welfare facilities. All data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0. Results: Overall scores of the participants were 2.26±0.64 for death anxiety scale, and 3.16±0.44 for dignified death attitude. Scores of individuals who prepared an AD were determined to be 2.19±0.64 for death anxiety, and 3.34±0.44 for dignity of death. The difference in scores obtained for dignified death attitude was significantly higher for the group that signed an AD, as compared to the group with no AD (F=14.81, p<0.001). Conclusions: Results of this study reveal that preliminary elderly who sign an AD have a higher dignified death attitude score as compared to subjects who do not sign an AD. Additionally, the former group of participants desire a dignified end to their life. This indicates a necessity to promote public campaigns for ADs, and to develop educational programs that assist the elderly to prepare for a dignified death and make autonomous decisions.

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