Young Adults' Perspectives on Advance Care Planning.
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.
['Tripken|Jennifer L|JL|', 'Elrod|Cathy S|CS|http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4594-5716']
D032722:Advance Care Planning D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies D005260:Female D006266:Health Education D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice D006304:Health Status D006801:Humans D008297:Male D013727:Terminal Care D055815:Young Adult
young adults advance care planning aging health education