Document 1939
 DOCN  M94A1939
 TI    Euthanasia: the patients perspective.
 DT    9412
 AU    Van Wanzeele F; Van Renterghem H; Van Damme L; Fleerackers Y; Suys F;
       Colebunders R; University of Ghent, Belgium.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):417 (abstract no. PD0276). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370636
 AB    OBJECTIVE: To ask the opinion of persons with HIV infection about
       euthanasia. METHODS: Part of the evaluation of the quality of care for
       persons with HIV infection in Flanders an anonymous questionnaire survey
       was organized among persons with HIV infection. The study started in
       September 1993. Questionnaires (in Dutch) were distributed by HIV
       treatment centers, general hospitals, general practitioners and HIV/AIDS
       supporter organizations. The questionnaire included several questions
       about euthanasia. So far, the data of the first hundred participants
       were analyzed. RESULTS: The study participants were 84 men and 16 women.
       90 were Belgians, 10 were Dutch speaking other Europeans. 73 were homo
       or bisexual men, 11 heterosexual men, 16 heterosexual woman. They
       considered themselves to be asymptomatic (41), symptomatic but not
       having AIDS (41), to have AIDS (14), 4 didn't mention their stage of
       disease. Number of participants considering that a physician should
       provide assistance to a person with HIV infection to terminate his life
       prematurely. TABULAR DATA, SEE ABSTRACT VOLUME. Sixty nine percent
       considered that it should be legally possible that a physician
       administers, on request of the patient, a drug able to terminate life
       rapidly and in a painless way. CONCLUSIONS: Most persons with HIV
       infection in Flanders consider that euthanasia should be possible.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*PSYCHOLOGY  *Attitude to Death
       Belgium  Comparative Study  Europe/ETHNOLOGY  *Euthanasia  Female  Human
       HIV Infections/*PSYCHOLOGY  Male  Sex Behavior  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).