Attitudes toward euthanasia and related issues among physicians and patients in a multi-cultural society of Malaysia

Rathor, Mohammad Yousuf and Abdul Rani, Mohammad Fauzi and Shahar, Mohammad Arif and Ab Rahman, Jamalludin and Che Abdullah, Shahrin Tarmizi and Omar, Ahmad Marzuki and Mohamad Shah, Azarisman Shah (2014) Attitudes toward euthanasia and related issues among physicians and patients in a multi-cultural society of Malaysia. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 3 (3). pp. 230-237. ISSN 2249-4863 E-ISSN 2278-7135

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Abstract

Introduction: Due to globalization and changes in the health care delivery system, there has been a gradual change in the attitude of the medical community as well as the lay public toward greater acceptance of euthanasia as an option for terminally ill and dying patients. Physicians in developing countries come across situations where such issues are raised with increasing frequency. As euthanasia has gained world‑wide prominence, the objectives of our study therefore were to explore the attitude of physicians and chronically ill patients toward euthanasia and related issues. Concomitantly, we wanted to ascertain the frequency of requests for assistance in active euthanasia. Materials and Methods: Questionnaire based survey among consenting patients and physicians. Results: The majority of our physicians and patients did not support active euthanasia or physician‑assisted suicide (EAS), no matter what the circumstances may be P < 0.001. Both opposed to its legalization P < 0.001. Just 15% of physicians reported that they were asked by patients for assistance in dying. Both physicians 29.2% and patients 61.5% were in favor of withdrawing or withholding life‑sustaining treatment to a patient with no chances of survival. Among patients no significant differences were observed for age, marital status, or underlying health status. Conclusions: A significant percentage of surveyed respondents were against EAS or its legalization. Patient views were primarily determined by religious beliefs rather than the disease severity. More debates on the matter are crucial in the ever‑evolving world of clinical medicine.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	2309/49768
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Attitude, euthanasia, legalization, multi‑cultural, physician‑assisted suicide
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Community Health & Family Medicine
Depositing User:	Dr Jamalludin Ab Rahman
Date Deposited:	29 Mar 2016 10:10
Last Modified:	26 Nov 2018 13:11
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/49768

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