Knowledge and attitudes about euthanasia among Peruvian medical interns; [Conhecimentos e atitudes sobre eutanásia entre internos de medicina peruanos]

Nicho-Conde G.; Vargas M.; Indacochea-Cáceda S. · Revista Bioetica (2026) · DOI: 10.1590/1983-803420263972en

Resumen

Euthanasia is the deliberate act of ending a person’s life at the request of the patient or their family. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and associated factors regarding euthanasia among medical interns at a Peruvian university (2023–2024). An analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted with 103 participants. Frequencies, percentages, and prevalence ratios were calculated using Poisson regression (95%CI, p<0.05). Of the participants, 55.3% were female, with a mean age of 24.9 years. In total, 63.1% demonstrated a high level of knowledge about euthanasia, while 50.5% showed a negative attitude toward this practice. No significant association was found between knowledge and attitude (p>0.05); however, there was a significant association between bioethics knowledge and knowledge level (p=0.00), and between having seen or read about euthanasia cases and knowledge level (p=0.00).

Instituciones: Universidad Ricardo Palma; Universidad Tecnológica del Perú