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Attitude towards Euthanasia among Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Hong Kong

Author

Listed:
  • Amy Mei-Yin Lau

    (JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China)

  • Eliza Lai-Yi Wong

    (Centre for Health Systems and Policy Research, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China)

Abstract

Background: With an increasing aging population and heavy medical burden, euthanasia has become a controversial topic in Hong Kong (HK) in recent years. Medical students are future medical professionals who may face novel and evolving ethical dilemmas. Hence, their views on euthanasia are crucial. Objective: To examine the attitudes of medical students towards euthanasia in HK and identify the factors associated with their attitude towards euthanasia. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study among medical students in HK was conducted. The online anonymous questionnaires were distributed to all six years of students studying medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and the University of Hong Kong (HKU), who provide medical training in HK. Attitude towards Euthanasia (ATE), measured using a five-point Likert Scale, was used to assess medical students’ attitudes towards euthanasia. Results: overall, 228 valid responses were received in 2021. The mean score of ATE was 29 (SD10.9), in which 134 (58.8%) of respondents showed a negative attitude towards euthanasia. Negative association was found between Christian ( p -value = 0.003) and Catholic ( p -value = 0.032) and the ATE score. Meanwhile, positive association was found between male gender ( p -value = 0.011) and witnessed withdrawing of nutritional support from patient(s) ( p -value = 0.011) and the ATE score. Conclusions: It is necessary for the government and schools to place more emphasis on euthanasia in the school curriculum by integrating ethical discussions and clinical attachment.

Suggested Citation

  • Amy Mei-Yin Lau & Eliza Lai-Yi Wong, 2022. "Attitude towards Euthanasia among Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Hong Kong," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-11, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:13:p:7697-:d:846021
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Eliza Lai-Yi Wong & Nicole Kiang & Roger Yat-Nork Chung & Janice Lau & Patsy Yuen-Kwan Chau & Samuel Yeung-Shan Wong & Jean Woo & Emily Ying-Yang Chan & Eng-Kiong Yeoh, 2020. "Quality of Palliative and End-Of-Life Care in Hong Kong: Perspectives of Healthcare Providers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-14, July.
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