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 knowledge and attitudes of patients concerning advance directives and life-prolonging therapy. The study determines the prefences of African Americans, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic whites on end-of-life medical care and their attitudes toward discussing these issues with their families and physicians. It also explores their attitudes and beliefs about several controversial issues: conflicting family-physician decisions, futility of treatment, and euthanasia.