The Influence of Ethnicity and Race on Attitudes toward Advance Directives, Life-Prolonging Treatments, and Euthanasia

Abstract

This study analyzes the influence of race and ethnicity on the\nknowledge and attitudes of patients concerning advance directives and\nlife-prolonging therapy. The study determines the prefences of African\nAmericans, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic whites on end-of-life medical care and\ntheir attitudes toward discussing these issues with their families and\nphysicians. It also explores their attitudes and beliefs about several\ncontroversial issues: conflicting family-physician decisions, futility of\ntreatment, and euthanasia.