PURPOSE:This study was to explore the significant factors that influence attitudes toward end-of-life (EOL) care in nursing students.

METHODS:A total of 169 nursing students in four universities completed the self-reported questionnaires which included general characteristics, well-dying awareness, knowledge and attitude toward advance-directives, and attitudes toward EOL care.

RESULTS:The mean scores were 2.91±0.41 for well-dying perception, 6.61±2.13 for Advance Directives knowledge, 2.95±0.27 for Advance Directives attitudes, and 3.05±0.26 for EOL care attitudes. Factors affecting EOL care attitudes were analyzed by multiple regression. As a result, Advance Directives attitudes (β=.36, p<.001), major satisfaction (β=.30, p<.001), and experience of living with aged (β=.15, p=.014) were identified as factors affecting EOL care attitudes. The explanation power of this regression model was 37.0% and it was statistically significant (F=25.76, p<.001).

CONCLUSION:Attitudes toward EOL care can be improved by establishing the positive attitudes toward ‘Advance Directives’ and building well-dying perception in nursing students.