Nursing students’ attitude toward euthanasia following its legalization in Spain
BackgroundEuthanasia is a controversial practice in many countries. Since Spain’s Euthanasia Law came into effect on March 24, 2021, healthcare providers have faced a new challenge since they must inform patients, provide care, accompany them, and implement the law. It also represents a new stumblin...
| Authors: | ; ; ; ; |
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| Tipo de documento: | Recurso Electrónico Artigo |
| Idioma: | Inglês |
| Verificar disponibilidade: | HBZ Gateway |
| Interlibrary Loan: | Interlibrary Loan for the Fachinformationsdienste (Specialized Information Services in Germany) |
| Publicado em: |
2025
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| Em: |
Nursing ethics
Ano: 2025, Volume: 32, Número: 2, Páginas: 412-423 |
| Outras palavras-chave: | B
nursing students
B Religiosity B Professional Ethics B clinical ethics B Euthanasia |
| Acesso em linha: |
Volltext (kostenfrei) |
| Resumo: | BackgroundEuthanasia is a controversial practice in many countries. Since Spain’s Euthanasia Law came into effect on March 24, 2021, healthcare providers have faced a new challenge since they must inform patients, provide care, accompany them, and implement the law. It also represents a new stumbling block at universities, which must adapt to regulatory changes and educate future professionals accordingly. Little is known about the attitude of nursing students in Spain toward euthanasia since this law was implemented.ObjectiveThis study aims to answer the following research questions: What is the attitude of nursing students toward euthanasia? What factors influence this attitude?Research designA cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire.Participants and research contextThe study population comprised all nursing students at a public university in Barcelona (n = 444), Spain, during the 2022–2023 academic year. The validated Spanish version of the Euthanasia Attitude Scale was employed. A bivariate analysis was performed.Ethical considerationsThe university Ethics Committee (CEEAH 6247) approved this study. All participating students signed an informed consent form. Participation was voluntary, and data anonymity and confidentiality were guaranteed.ResultsTwo hundred and forty-four nursing students responded to the questionnaire. The mean total score was 79.64. Participants with religious beliefs presented lower scores, indicating a more negative attitude toward euthanasia. Participants in their second, third, or fourth year of the nursing degree scored higher, demonstrating a more positive attitude.ConclusionsThe attitude of nursing students toward euthanasia was remarkably positive. Working on ethical content during the degree course and clinical practice are factors that help to develop a more positive attitude. In addition, nursing education should encourage professional aspects to prevail over religious beliefs in euthanasia situations. |
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| ISSN: | 1477-0989 |
| Obras secundárias: | Enthalten in: Nursing ethics
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.1177/09697330241238342 |
