Attitudes toward euthanasia among medical students from different countries

Abstract

Introduction. This study conducted among medical students from different countries aimed to compare their knowledge of palliative care, euthanasia, and assisted suicide, their attitudes toward euthanasia practice, law, and its legalization, as well as motives behind their ethical choices. Material and methods. The 18-item questionnaire survey was conducted among medical students. Question-naires were voluntary and anonymous and they were completed within 30 minutes after completion of obligatory 30-hour palliative medicine courses. During theoretical seminars and practical classes, students were provided with basic knowledge on symptom management, and psychological, social, and spiritual support. An ethical approach was presented, in which both euthanasia and assisted suicide were not acceptable. Results. A total of 659 students participated. There were 486 (73.75%) students from Poland and 173 (26.25%) foreign students from Taiwan 54 (8.19%), USA 48 (7.28%), Norway 32 (4.86%), Canada 27 (4.10%), Germany 5 (0.76%), Great Britain 4 (0.61%), and Sweden 3 (0.45%). Students from Poland and other countries did not differ in terms of knowledge of palliative care, but differences emerged regarding knowledge of euthanasia and assisted suicide. Respondents from different countries differed in their responses to all questions regarding legal aspects and euthanasia. The only exception was assisted suicide where no difference was found. Conclusions. A significant percentage of students were unable to provide definitions of palliative care, euthanasia, or assisted suicide. The results suggest differences in the attitudes toward euthanasia between students originating from different continents. Culture, religious affiliation, and gender might be factors influencing these results.