Advance directive preferences of patients with chronic and terminal illness towards end of life decisions: a sample from Saudi Arabia.

Background: Advance directives towards end of life decisions are seldom used among Arabs.

Aims: This study aimed at investigating advance care preferences among a sample of Arab patients.

Method: This cross-sectional study was undertaken over the period March 2012-March 2013 on a sample of 300 patients with chronic illness in King Fahad National Guard Hospital, Riyadh, a major tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia.

Results: Mean age of patients in the study was 48.7 years (standard deviation 16.4). There were 104 patients on haemodialysis, 73 with advanced malignancy, 81 with chronic liver disease and 35 with chronic respiratory disease. More than 80% of the respondents felt that the physician should make the decision about cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Over 60% wished to remain at home when their condition deteriorated to impending death. There were no significant correlations between the patients' end of life decision preferences and religiosity, quality of life, disease duration, or other demographic characteristics.

Conclusion: Despite a significant lack of knowledge among our participants regarding resuscitation, a majority of patients with chronic illness were willing to discuss the options and were capable of making advance directive plans regarding their health status.