Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide in People With an Accumulation of Health Problems Related to Old Age: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study Among Physicians in the Netherlands
IF 2.6 3区 医学Q2 PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
Frédérique W. M. Kraak-Steenken, S. Renckens, H. R. Pasman, Fenne Bosma, Agnes van der Heide, B. Onwuteaka-Philipsen
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objectives: We explored characteristics of people with an accumulation of health problems related to old age requesting euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide (EAS) and identified characteristics associated with granting EAS requests.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire study among Dutch physicians on characteristics of these people requesting EAS (n = 123). Associations between characteristics and granting a request were assessed using logistic regression analyses.Results: People requesting EAS were predominantly >80 years old (82.4%), female (70.0%), widow/widower (71.7%), (partially) care-dependent (76.7%), and had a life expectancy >12 months (68.6%). The most prevalent health problems were osteoarthritis (70.4%) and impaired vision and hearing (53.0% and 40.9%). The most cited reasons to request EAS were physical deterioration (68.6%) and dependence (61.2%). 44.7% of requests were granted. Granting a request was positively associated with care dependence, disability/immobility, impaired vision, osteoporosis, loss of control, suffering without prospect of improvement and a treatment relationship with the physician >12 months.Conclusion: Enhanced understanding of people with an accumulation of health problems related to old age requesting EAS can contribute to the ongoing debate on the permissibility of EAS in people without life-threatening conditions.
期刊介绍:
The International Journal of Public Health publishes scientific articles relevant to global public health, from different countries and cultures, and assembles them into issues that raise awareness and understanding of public health problems and solutions. The Journal welcomes submissions of original research, critical and relevant reviews, methodological papers and manuscripts that emphasize theoretical content. IJPH sometimes publishes commentaries and opinions. Special issues highlight key areas of current research. The Editorial Board''s mission is to provide a thoughtful forum for contemporary issues and challenges in global public health research and practice.