2023 Volume 7 Issue 1 Pages 16-25
[ Purpose] With advanced medical care and aging of the population, promoting advance care planning (ACP) in communities is becoming important. This study aimed to (1) clarify the status of ACP practice among citizens, and (2) examine the factors associated with ACP practice to promote ACP in communities.
[ Methods] This cross-sectional study used an anonymous self-administered questionnaire among citizens aged 20 years and older living in Kakegawa City. The outcomes were defined as 1) having thought about one’s end of life (Thought ACP), 2) having discussed one’s end of life with someone (Discussed ACP), and 3) having documented something about one’s end of life (Documented ACP). We performed logistic regression analysis on the responses.
[ Results] A total of 317 participants were included in the analysis (effective response rate: 23.0%). The outcomes of Thought ACP, Discussed ACP, and Documented ACP were reported by 192, 97, and 28 participants, respectively. Younger age and experience of a serious accident or illness were associated with Thought ACP. Being a female, not having financial problems, experience of a serious illness or accident, and a higher score on the view of life and death scale were associated with Discussed ACP. No variables were significantly associated with Documented ACP.
[ Conclusions] ACP practice among citizens was inadequate, and was associated with certain demographic characteristics and the experience of feeling close to death. Interventions with content that enhances the view of life and death may be useful in improving ACP practice.
