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Attitudes of physiotherapists and physiotherapy students toward euthanasia: a comparative study
Ugur Cavlak1, Ummuhan Bas Aslan, Suleyman Gurso
1Pamukkale University, School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Denizli, Turkey.
Advances in Therapy
|May 29, 2007
Summary
Physiotherapists showed more approval for euthanasia than physiotherapy students. Religious beliefs significantly impacted attitudes toward euthanasia among both groups.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Rehabilitation Sciences
Background:
- Euthanasia is a complex ethical issue with significant implications for healthcare professionals.
- Understanding the attitudes of physiotherapists and students is crucial for informed ethical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the influence of physiotherapy education on the knowledge and attitudes of physiotherapists and physiotherapy students regarding euthanasia.
- To compare the perspectives of practicing physiotherapists and students on euthanasia.
Main Methods:
- An interventional study conducted between 2004-2005 in Turkey.
- A self-report questionnaire administered to 494 participants (311 physiotherapists, 183 physiotherapy students).
- Statistical analysis to assess differences in attitudes based on professional status, demographics, and religiousness.
Main Results:
- Physiotherapists demonstrated a higher likelihood of approving euthanasia (48.9%) compared to physiotherapy students (38.3%).
- A greater proportion of physiotherapists (43.7%) favored the legalization of euthanasia than students (29.5%).
- Religiousness was identified as the most significant factor influencing attitudes toward euthanasia, while sex and age showed no significant effect.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences exist in the attitudes of practicing physiotherapists and physiotherapy students concerning euthanasia.
- The Islamic perspective appears to negatively influence the attitudes of both physiotherapists and physiotherapy students toward euthanasia.
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