Jennifer L Tripken1, Cathy S Elrod2. 1. 1 Department of Health and Human Performance, Marymount University, Arlington, VA, USA. 2. 2 Department of Physical Therapy, Marymount University, Arlington, VA, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of young adults regarding advance care planning (ACP). METHODS: A cross-sectional sample of young adults (N = 310) from a single metropolitan university during September to November 2016 completed an online survey about their knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding ACP. Descriptive statistics and correlation tests were conducted. RESULTS: Young adults lacked familiarity and knowledge regarding ACP. Those who were most familiar with ACP terminology were more likely to be older, female, enrolled in a graduate program, and employed full time. Although the majority of respondents had positive attitudes and beliefs about ACP, only one-third had talked with their family/loved ones about their wishes for end-of-life care. DISCUSSION: Our study findings suggest a strong need to inform and engage young adults in ACP and end-of-life care discussions. As young adults are likely to become a caregiver for an aging family member, they can have an important role in initiating and facilitating conversations with loved ones and be instrumental in ACP for older adults.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of young adults regarding advance care planning (ACP). METHODS: A cross-sectional sample of young adults (N = 310) from a single metropolitan university during September to November 2016 completed an online survey about their knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding ACP. Descriptive statistics and correlation tests were conducted. RESULTS: Young adults lacked familiarity and knowledge regarding ACP. Those who were most familiar with ACP terminology were more likely to be older, female, enrolled in a graduate program, and employed full time. Although the majority of respondents had positive attitudes and beliefs about ACP, only one-third had talked with their family/loved ones about their wishes for end-of-life care. DISCUSSION: Our study findings suggest a strong need to inform and engage young adults in ACP and end-of-life care discussions. As young adults are likely to become a caregiver for an aging family member, they can have an important role in initiating and facilitating conversations with loved ones and be instrumental in ACP for older adults.
Keywords:
advance care planning; aging; health education; young adults
Authors: Jennifer D Portz; Adreanne Brungardt; Prajakta Shanbhag; Elizabeth W Staton; Seuli Bose-Brill; Chen-Tan Lin; Jean S Kutner; Hillary D Lum Journal: J Med Internet Res Date: 2020-08-11 Impact factor: 5.428