Attitudes of Acutely Ill Patients Towards Euthanasia in Hong Kong
Author Information
Author(s): Lam R.C.S, Chien Wai-Tong
Primary Institution: Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Hypothesis
What are the attitudes of acutely ill patients towards the practice of euthanasia in Hong Kong?
Conclusion
Chinese patients with acute illness generally accept the use of both active and passive euthanasia.
Supporting Evidence
- 70.1% of patients agreed with active euthanasia.
- 84.4% of patients agreed with passive euthanasia.
- Older patients showed higher acceptance of euthanasia.
- Female patients had a higher acceptance of euthanasia than male patients.
Takeaway
Most sick patients in Hong Kong think euthanasia is okay, especially if it helps them or their loved ones stop suffering.
Methodology
A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a modified 23-item questionnaire with a stratified sample of in-patients from various departments.
Potential Biases
Subjective biases may have been introduced by the patients' health and the ward environment.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size from one hospital and did not explore perspectives from family members or medical staff.
Participant Demographics
The mean age of participants was 49.8 years, with 51.9% male and 48.1% female; 42% had religious beliefs, and 78.8% were educated to secondary school or university level.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.005
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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