Attitudes towards Euthanasia among physicians and patients: a cross sectional survey from Malaysia

Rathor, Mohammad Yousuf and Abdul Rani, Mohammed Fauzi and Mohd Shah, Azarisman Shah and Omar, Ahmad Marzuki and Osman, Ariff (2010) Attitudes towards Euthanasia among physicians and patients: a cross sectional survey from Malaysia. Eubios Journal of Asian and International Bioethics, 20 (6 SupB). pp. 233-234. ISSN 1173-2571

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Abstract

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.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	2309/23683
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Euthanasia, mercy killing, attitudes, morality, race, religious beliefs
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Medicine Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Community Medicine (Effective: 1st January 2011) Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Internal Medicine
Depositing User:	Prof Dr Mohammed Fauzi Abdul Rani
Date Deposited:	25 Apr 2012 14:52
Last Modified:	08 May 2015 14:41
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/23683

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