Doctors' Attitude Towards Euthanasia: A Cross-sectional Study Experience

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Euthanasia presents a significant ethical dilemma for physicians, balancing patient suffering relief with moral and legal considerations.
• Attitudes towards euthanasia among healthcare professionals are crucial for informing public discourse and policy development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the attitudes of practicing doctors in Mangalore, South India, towards euthanasia.
• To understand the factors influencing doctors' perspectives on the justification and legalization of euthanasia.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted among 220 doctors from four medical colleges in Mangalore.
• Data was collected using a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 11.5.

Main Results:

• Nearly half of the doctors (46.8%) found euthanasia justifiable to alleviate patient suffering and reduce burdens.
• Significant proportions supported legalization (41%) and expressed willingness to use it (39%), but major concerns about misuse (84.5%) were noted.
• Religious affiliation (Muslims vs. Hindus) and medical specialty (medical vs. surgical) were independently associated with justifying euthanasia.

Conclusions:

• Despite its illegality, a notable segment of doctors perceive euthanasia as justifiable in certain circumstances, albeit with reservations.
• Requests for euthanasia from patients and relatives suggest increasing public awareness and acceptance of the practice.
• The study highlights the need for comprehensive stakeholder consultations to guide future policy development on euthanasia in the country.