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Linda J. Romero, MD; Robert D. Lindeman, MD; Kathleen M. Koehler, PhD; Andrew Allen, MS
University of New Mexico Albuquerque, NM

JAMA. 1997;277(4):298-299.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text PDF and any section headings.

To the Editor.

—The importance of improving end-of-life decision making¹ and understanding the differences in attitudes among ethnic groups toward end-of-life decisions have been increasing recognized.² The New Mexico Elder Health Study provides some insights concerning advance care planning and preferences toward life-sustaining measures. One purpose of this comprehensive study is to compare self-reported understanding and completion of advance directives and individual preferences for life-sustaining measures in the event of a terminal illness. We surveyed randomly selected elderly 65 years) Hispanic (n=414) and non-Hispanic (n=469) whites living in Bernalillo County (Albuquerque and vicinity), New Mexico. The study was conducted using in-home, in-person interviews by trained personnel. "Hispanic" was defined using 3 criteria: Spanish surname, self-identification, and parential ethnicity.

Many participants reported that they did not know what a living will and durable power of attorney are. Hispanics were less likely than non-Hispanic whites to correctly define a living . . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]

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