Public Attitudes Toward Physician-Assisted Dying: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Taiwan
2024

Public Attitudes Toward Physician-Assisted Dying in Taiwan

Sample size: 3922 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Chen Duan-Rung, Wu Kevin Chien-Chang, Kuo Chun-Tung

Primary Institution: National Taiwan University

Hypothesis

What are the public attitudes towards Physician-Assisted Dying (PAD) in Taiwan?

Conclusion

The study indicates a cultural shift towards valuing individual autonomy in end-of-life decisions among the Taiwanese public.

Supporting Evidence

  • 86.2% of participants supported PAD for terminal illnesses.
  • 79.2% supported PAD for unbearable non-terminal pain.
  • 72.6% supported PAD for severe cognitive impairments.

Takeaway

Most people in Taiwan support the idea of helping someone die if they are very sick or in pain, showing that they care about personal choices at the end of life.

Methodology

An online survey was conducted to gather data from Taiwanese adults regarding their support for PAD.

Participant Demographics

The participants were Taiwanese adults, with support for PAD correlated with younger age, male gender, lower levels of religiosity, and non-medical professional background.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.3063

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication