Abstract
Purpose - Purpose - The purpose of this study is to explore attitudes towards euthanasia among Ugandan adults. This study is important because few studies exploring this area conducted in low income nations exist in literature, yet information from such studies may enrich knowledge generated from studies conducted in developed nations, necessary for the formulation of end of life policies.Design/methodology/approach - Methodology - This is an important study because data was recently collected in 2010. The sample consists of 80 participants above age 18 that responded to a questionnaire and interview schedule exploring attitudes towards euthanasia. Convenience sampling technique was used to solicit participants. Elementary statistical techniques were utilized to organize quantitative data. A qualitative approach was utilized to analyze the findings. Findings - Findings - Findings reveal that, almost all participants (97 percent) perceived euthanasia as murder. Religious and cultural convictions were major influential factors for this perception. Potential for new medical discovery, pain, guilt, physician distrust, economic need, physician role conflict, human versus divine knowledge, perception of euthanasia as license to kill, financial strain, compassion, hopelessness, and age are other themes that influenced attitudes towards euthanasia.Research limitations/implications - Research Implications/Limitations - There is a need for more studies that explore attitudes towards euthanasia conducted in developing countries, some of which may facilitate a comparative meta-analysis of the findings in search for a deeper understanding of attitudes towards euthanasia, which knowledge may assist in the formulation of end of life policies worldwide. More studies with larger and more representative samples are necessary to effectively isolate differences in attitudes towards euthanasia by demographic characteristics and geographical location. Studies that take a quantitative approach may enrich qualitative studies of this nature because they will make the study of large samples feasible, allow the use of advanced social statistical techniques and findings may be generalized to other population groups Originality/value - Originality/value: Few studies exploring euthanasia attitudes in resource constrained nations like those of sub-Sahara Africa exist. Additionally, as the debate over euthanasia continues, especially as seen in developed nations, it is crucial to include resource constrained nations because such knowledge may help the international community’s formulation of end of life policies. This study is important because it is based on current data collected in 2010.
Purpose - Purpose - The purpose of this study is to explore attitudes towards euthanasia among Ugandan adults. This study is important because few studies exploring this area conducted in low income nations exist in literature, yet information from such studies may enrich knowledge generated from studies conducted in developed nations, necessary for the formulation of end of life policies.Design/methodology/approach - Methodology - This is an important study because data was recently collected in 2010. The sample consists of 80 participants above age 18 that responded to a questionnaire and interview schedule exploring attitudes towards euthanasia. Convenience sampling technique was used to solicit participants. Elementary statistical techniques were utilized to organize quantitative data. A qualitative approach was utilized to analyze the findings. Findings - Findings - Findings reveal that, almost all participants (97 percent) perceived euthanasia as murder. Religious and cultural convictions were major influential factors for this perception. Potential for new medical discovery, pain, guilt, physician distrust, economic need, physician role conflict, human versus divine knowledge, perception of euthanasia as license to kill, financial strain, compassion, hopelessness, and age are other themes that influenced attitudes towards euthanasia.Research limitations/implications - Research Implications/Limitations - There is a need for more studies that explore attitudes towards euthanasia conducted in developing countries, some of which may facilitate a comparative meta-analysis of the findings in search for a deeper understanding of attitudes towards euthanasia, which knowledge may assist in the formulation of end of life policies worldwide. More studies with larger and more representative samples are necessary to effectively isolate differences in attitudes towards euthanasia by demographic characteristics and geographical location. Studies that take a quantitative approach may enrich qualitative studies of this nature because they will make the study of large samples feasible, allow the use of advanced social statistical techniques and findings may be generalized to other population groups Originality/value - Originality/value: Few studies exploring euthanasia attitudes in resource constrained nations like those of sub-Sahara Africa exist. Additionally, as the debate over euthanasia continues, especially as seen in developed nations, it is crucial to include resource constrained nations because such knowledge may help the international community’s formulation of end of life policies. This study is important because it is based on current data collected in 2010.