Comparison of attitude of nurses and nursing students toward euthanasia

Abstract

Background:

Euthanasia is a controversial issue in many countries. However, there is little evidence about attitudes of nurses and nursing students toward euthanasia.

Research aims:

The present study aimed to compare nurses and nursing students' attitudes toward euthanasia.

Research design:

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study.

Participants and research context:

Using census sampling, 390 nurses and 125 nursing students were enrolled in this study.

Methods:

Data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire and Euthanasia Attitude Scale that included 20 items that sought to record participants’ level of agreement with euthanasia based on a Likert-type scale.

Ethical considerations:

Objectives of the study were stated for all samples, and emphasized the confidentiality of their specifics and responses, and informed written consent was obtained from all participants.

Findings:

The mean score of nurses and nursing students’ attitudes about euthanasia was 3.14 ± 0.26 and 3.22 ± 0.24 out of 5, respectively. The majority of nurses (n = 250, 65.78%) and nursing students (n = 97, 80.83%) had a positive attitude toward euthanasia. There was a significant statistical difference between the attitudes of nurses and nursing students to euthanasia (p = .005).

Discussion:

The results indicated that the majority of students and nurses had a positive attitude regarding euthanasia.

Conclusion:

It was recommended to conduct more studies on euthanasia in Iran.