Volume 17 - Supplement of 11th Annual Iranian Congress of Medical Ethics
IJMEHM 2024, 17 - Supplement of 11th Annual Iranian Congress of Medical Ethics : 1-2 |
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Ghaffari M, Shabanloei R, Behshid M. Attitudes Towards Euthanasia Among Intensive Care Nurses. IJMEHM 2024; 17 (S1) :1-2
URL: http://ijme.tums.ac.ir/article-1-7149-en.html
URL: http://ijme.tums.ac.ir/article-1-7149-en.html
1- MSc Student, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
2- Associate Professor of Nursing Education, Department of Medical- Surgical Nursing, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
3- Assistant Professor of Nursing Education, Department of Medical- Surgical Nursing, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
2- Associate Professor of Nursing Education, Department of Medical- Surgical Nursing, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
3- Assistant Professor of Nursing Education, Department of Medical- Surgical Nursing, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
Abstract: (213 Views)
Euthanasia, often referred to as mercy killing or an "easy death," remains a deeply controversial issue, particularly in Islamic countries where it is both ethically and legally prohibited. Nurses working in intensive care units (ICUs) are more likely than other healthcare professionals to encounter situations related to end-of-life care, given the critical condition of the patients they serve. Consequently, their attitudes toward euthanasia hold significant ethical and professional implications. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted to explore the attitudes of ICU nurses toward euthanasia in a context where it is culturally and legally forbidden. A total of 194 nurses from eight hospitals affiliated with Tabriz University of Medical Sciences participated. Data collection instruments included a demographic questionnaire and Holloway’s Attitudes Toward Euthanasia Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and ANOVA. The mean attitude score towards euthanasia was 71.95 ± 4.99 out of a possible 120. Overall, 74% of participants scored below 75, reflecting a generally negative attitude toward euthanasia, while 26% scored above 75, indicating a more favorable view. No statistically significant association was found between attitudes toward euthanasia and any demographic variables (p ≥ 0.05). Despite the legal and religious restrictions against euthanasia in Iran, a portion of ICU nurses demonstrated a positive attitude toward the practice. Given the potential impact of these attitudes on patient care, nursing managers and educational authorities should address even minimal levels of support for euthanasia. Targeted training and ethical guidance are essential to ensure that patient care remains aligned with legal and moral standards, particularly in ethically sensitive clinical situations.
Type of Study: Poster |
Subject:
Health Ethics Congress (11th) - Poster Presentation
Received: 2026/01/25 | Revised: 2026/02/24 | Accepted: 2024/12/22 | Published: 2024/12/22
Received: 2026/01/25 | Revised: 2026/02/24 | Accepted: 2024/12/22 | Published: 2024/12/22
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