Attitudes towards Euthanasia among physicians and patients: a cross sectional survey from Malaysia
Introduction: The term euthanasia or Mercy killing is in essence the termination of life of a terminally ill patient at his request or in his interest. Due to increase in ageing population with extremely limited physical and mental capacities, the issue is being discussed in a number of jurisdi...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Eubios Ethics Institute
2010
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/23683/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/23683/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/23683/1/Attitudes_towards_Euthanasia.pdf |
| Summary: | Introduction: The term euthanasia or Mercy
killing is in essence the termination of life of a
terminally ill patient at his request or in his interest.
Due to increase in ageing population with extremely
limited physical and mental capacities, the issue is
being discussed in a number of jurisdictions in favour
of its legalization. However there is intense public
debate and controversy among its proponents and opponents. The controversy regarding its practice is
essentially a controversy about ethics and morality.
Virtually all of the research in this field has been with
Western, largely Christian, populations. There is a
pressing need for more cross-cultural, international
collaborative studies on the subject. Aim of the
study: The present ongoing study has some promise
since it samples a population of patients and
physicians who are multi-racial and multi-faith. We
want to ascertain the prevalent beliefs and views
among patients and physicians in Malaysia.
Concomitantly we want to ascertain the frequency of
requests for assistance in active euthanasia.
Methods: Trained research assistant administered
questionnaire to a convenience sample of consenting
patients and physicians. The influence of a number
of independent variables such as cultural and
religious beliefs, age and gender will also be
investigated, as it is believed that they have a great
influence on most individualsʼ attitudes towards
euthanasia. A cross-cultural perspective and attitude
towards euthanasia could enrich our understanding
and thus provide insights for societal stability. The
interim results of our findings: The majority of
patients were male (62.9%), Malay Muslims (75.4%)
and had primary (32.5%) or secondary (48.6%)
education. Nearly all patients and doctors believed in
the existence of God and life after death. Only a
quarter of physicians agreed with euthanasia, while
among patients only 6.4% agreed with euthanasia
and 92% had a hope of cure. The full paper along
with final results will be published once the study is
complete. |
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