@article{ref1,
title="Euthanasia: from the perspective of HIV infected persons in Europe",
journal="HIV medicine",
year="2001",
author="Andraghetti, R. and Foran, S. and Colebunders, R. and Tomlinson, D. and Vyras, P. and Borleffs, C. J. and Fleerackers, Y. and Schrooten, W. and Borchert, M.",
volume="2",
number="1",
pages="3-10",
abstract="BACKGROUND: In the debate about legalization of euthanasia very little attention has so far been given to the opinion of the patient. OBJECTIVE: To assess the opinion of persons with HIV infection in Europe. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of persons with HIV infection attending HIV/AIDS treatment centres or HIV support organizations in 11 European Union Member States was performed. A total of 2751 anonymous patient self-administered questionnaires were distributed between August 1996 and September 1997. The questionnaire contained 108 questions concerning a variety of topics about HIV care, including five questions on euthanasia. RESULTS: One thousand three hundred and seventy-one people with HIV infection completed the questionnaire, of whom 1341 (98%) responded to the questions concerning euthanasia. Seventy-eight percent of respondents agreed with the legalization of euthanasia in case of severe physical suffering, 47% if there was severe psychological suffering and 24% simply at the patient's request. For physical suffering and at a clear patient's request, accepted practices were: alleviation of pain with double effect (81%), medical euthanasia (62%) and physician assisted suicide (45%). Fifty percent would consider euthanasia for themselves if all treatment options were exhausted. Social indicators such as educational level and employment seemed to play a more significant role in determining attitudes towards legalization, and personal interest in, euthanasia than indicators related to disease status. CONCLUSION: In this study a majority of HIV infected persons in Europe favoured the legalization of euthanasia.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1464-2662",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}