Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the sociodemographic characteristics, preferences, and satisfaction levels of individuals who registered their Advance Directive (Manifestación Anticipada de Voluntad, MAV) in Lanzarote. DESIGN: Observational, descriptive, prospective, and cross-sectional study. SETTING: Advance Directive Office of Lanzarote, University Hospital Doctor José Molina Orosa (Canary Health Service). PARTICIPANTS: Individuals aged 18 years or older who registered their MAV between January and December 2024. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Sociodemographic variables, motivations for completing the MAV, stated preferences, and level of satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 527 users were analyzed (67.2% women; mean age 59.5±14.3 years). Most had secondary or higher education (65.7%) and reported no religious affiliation (78.7%). The main motivation was the desire to exercise personal autonomy (38.5%), followed by the wish not to be a burden (33.2%). Organ donation was indicated by 73.2% of participants, and 86.7% accepted euthanasia in the context of moderate dementia. Significant associations were found between educational level and acceptance of euthanasia (χ(2)(6)=39.27; p<0.001), and between the motivation for completing the MAV and both sex (χ(2)(4)=11.70; p=0.020) and religion (χ(2)(20)=463.49; p<0.001). Overall, 99.1% reported being satisfied with the care received. CONCLUSIONS: The predominant profile was that of a Spanish woman, middle-aged or older, with higher education. Autonomy at the end of life emerged as the main motivation, with differences observed according to sex and religious beliefs. The findings highlight the need to strengthen professional training and communication strategies to promote the use of Advance Directives.