지역사회 독거노인의 연명의료 의향 관련 영향요인: 2020년 노인실태조사를 활용한 이차연구

This study examined the factors contributing to life-sustaining treatment for elderly people living alone. The study included 3,117 elderly living alone using the 2020 National Survey of Older Koreans. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, χ2-test, and multiple logistic regression analysis on SPSS/WIN 29.0. The factors that significantly increased the life-sustaining treatment intention were a perceived health status as good (OR=3.79, 95% CI=1.60-8.96) or moderate (OR=2.88, 95% CI 1.14-7.26), good relationship with relatives (OR=2.92, 95% CI=1.21-7.04), participation in social group (OR=2.26, 95% CI= 1.36-3.76), economic status as satisfied (OR=2.80, 95% CI=1.19-6.62) or fair (2.86, 95% CI 1.24-6.58), and experience in death preparation education (OR=4.20, 95% CI=1.88-9.40). Hence, various programs, such as death preparation education tailored to the specific characteristics of the elderly living alone, are needed. In addition, it is crucial to expand the agencies responsible for registering advance directives on life-sustaining treatment and to raise awareness. These efforts will require support from related systems and policies.