Advance Directives Among Korean American Older Adults: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior

Abstract

The study objective was to explore knowledge, attitudes, and behavior about advance directives and how cultural values influence these beliefs. Three focus groups with 23 Korean American older adults were conducted. Advance directives were seen as helpful for ensuring that preferences for unwanted end-of-life treatment are honored and for relieving the decision-making burden on family members. However, some viewed completing advance directives as contrary to focusing on living. Culturally competent education about advance directives for Korean American older adults is necessary to help them make informed decisions about end-of-life care and informing family and health care providers of these preferences.

Keywords:

• mixed methods
• end-of-life care and decisions
• ethnicity and multicultural issues
• culture
• advance directives

Acknowledgments

This research was funded by a Faculty Research Grant, Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. The authors thank Mr. Kang S. Soh, Korean American Senior Center of Corona, Mr. Michael S. Chiew of the Korean American Senior Citizens Society of Greater New York, Inc., and Dr. Byung Chul Kang.