Beliefs about euthanasia among university students: perspectives from Pakistan

Opinions of university students about euthanasia were studied in 4 cities in Pakistan using convenience sampling. A total of 836 students [316 males and 520 females] completed a questionnaire in which euthanasia was defined as deliberate administration of an overdose of a drug by a doctor to relieve pain and suffering of a dying patient at his/her explicit request to end his/her life. Only 25.6% of students agreed that euthanasia should be legalized in Pakistan. The most common reason cited for legalization of euthanasia was to relieve patient's suffering but only when a committee of physicians agreed to recommend it Students who opposed legalization [74.4%] cited impediments to future medical research as the most common reason, followed by the risk of misuse by physicians or family members. Only 8.9% of students cited religious beliefs as a reason against legalization. There is a need in Pakistan for more debate about euthanasia

Attitudes towards euthanasia among final-year Khartoum University medical students

To investigate the attitudes of final-year medical students at KhartoumUniversity towards euthanasia an anonymous questionnaire was answered by 141 students. Most were familiar with the concept of euthanasia. The majority, 108 [76.6%] opposed euthanasia and their reasons included religious beliefs, belief that euthanasia was unethical and fear of misuse. The supporters of euthanasia [23.4%] stated reasons such as preventing the suffering of patients and respecting their autonomy and dignity. More students who described themselves as strongly religious were opponents of euthanasia [83/87, 95.4%] than those who were moderately religious [25/54, 46.3%]

Attitudes towards euthanasia and assisted suicide among Sudanese doctors

An anonymous questionnaire was used to survey the attitudes of 382 doctors towards euthanasia and assisted suicide at Khartoum's two main hospitals. Of the 382, 248 responded [65% response rate]. The mean age was 38 +/- 13.5 years; male:female ratio was 130:118; 66% were house staff, 34% specialists; 92% Muslim, 8% Christian. The vast majority [85%] strongly opposed the practices, while 15% thought they should be performed only in certain situations, subject to strict safeguards. Reasons given for opposition included religious beliefs, inconsistency with the doctor's role, presence of subtle pressures on patients, and potential for misuse among the physically and intellectually handicapped