Attitudes toward Medically Assisted Dying Among the General Public in Slovenia.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore public attitudes toward medically assisted dying, focusing on the role of socio-demographic factors, mental health conditions, and personal experiences. Data were collected via an online panel in Slovenia, which consisted of 567 participants (53.1% men) aged 18 years and older. The majority of respondents supported medically assisted dying for terminally ill individuals (76.4%) and expressed willingness to support a loved one's decision (72.8%). The analysis indicated that psychosocial factors and personal experiences predict attitudes toward medically assisted dying. In particular, women, individuals with poorer physical and psychological health and individuals in better environmental conditions were more likely to have positive attitudes. In contrast, individuals who had experienced the loss of a loved one were more likely to oppose it. These findings suggest the need for further research to deepen understanding of the factors that predict attitudes toward medically assisted dying.