title: A study of the public's knowledge regarding advance directives.
abstract: Advance directives are legal documents used to indicate individuals' wishes concerning medical care and treatment in the event that they are no longer able to do so. This study assessed the level of knowledge of 157 adults concerning advance directives and other medical terminology related to end-of-life events. Results indicated that 57% to 79% of respondents demonstrated an understanding of four to five major elements related to advance directives. There were no significant differences in level of understanding among groups of differing ethnicity, religion, and gender. Nor were there significant correlations found between level of understanding and the respondents' age and years of education.
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Hague
authors.forename: L E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Moody
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016223:Advance Directives; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D032882:Comprehension; D003625:Data Collection; D004521:Educational Measurement; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009626:Terminology as Topic