PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDE OF NURSING STUDENTS TOWARDS EUTHANASIA IN SELECTED CLASSES IN EDO STATE UNIVERSITY UZAIRUE, EDO STATE.
Abstract
Euthanasia, the deliberate termination of life to relieve suffering, is a highly controversial ethical issue within the healthcare community. This study focused on the perception and attitude of nursing students towards euthanasia in selected classes at Edo State University Uzairue. It had four (4) objectives and four (4) research questions which were stated to direct the researcher. The population were nursing students in selected classes studying in Edo State University Uzairue. The sample size of 144 was selected using simple random sampling technique. One hundred and forty-four (144) questionnaires were used to collect data from the respondents, the information obtained was analyzed using percentage, frequency and distribution statistical tables. The findings showed that the perception and attitude of the respondents towards euthanasia was poor and not favourable as 81% (111) described euthanasia as assisting someone in ending their life, 32% (44) consented that euthanasia is not favourable in the nursing profession, 77.4% (106) believed that medical prognosis and condition should be the factor to consider when making decisions about euthanasia. Majority, 36.5% are uncomfortable discussing euthanasia among patients and families. 51.1% strongly agreed and agreed that euthanasia has negative impact on nurse patient relationship. Majority strongly disagreed and disagreed that euthanasia should be legalized. In conclusion, Effective and thorough education of nursing students on the topic of euthanasia cannot be overemphasized as it greatly affects the perception and attitude of healthcare providers at the point of making decisions regarding euthanasia and patient’s care and it was recommended that the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria to incorporate the concept of euthanasia, its implication on nursing practice and management among nursing practitioners and also in courses such as Ethics and Jurisprudence.
Word count: 283 words
Keywords: perception, attitude, nursing students, euthanasia.
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