Reliability and Validity of the Euthanasia Attitude Scale (EAS) for Hong Kong Medical Doctors

  • Tang, Wai-Kiu
  • Mak, Kwok-Kei MMedSc
  • Kam, Philip Ming-Ho BSc
  • Ho, Joanna Wing-Kiu
  • Chan, Denise Che-Ying
  • Suen, To-Lam
  • Lau, Michael Chak-Kwan
  • Cheng, Adrian Ka-Chun
  • Wan, Yuen-Ting
  • Wan, Ho-Yan
  • Hussain, Assad MBBS
American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Medicine 27(5):p 320-324, August 2010. | DOI: 10.1177/1049909109358407

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the Euthanasia Attitude Scale (EAS) in Hong Kong medical doctors. A total of 107 medical doctors (61.7% men) participated in a survey at clinical settings in 2008. The 21-item EAS was used to assess their attitudes toward euthanasia. The mean (standard deviation) and median of the EAS were 63.60 (60.31) and 63.00. Total EAS scores correlated well with “Ethical Considerations,” “Practical Considerations,” and “Treasuring Life” (Spearman π = .37-.96, P < .001) but not “Naturalistic Beliefs.” The construct validity of the 3-factor model was appropriate (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin [KMO] value = 0.90) and showed high internal consistency (Cronbach α = .79-.92). Euthanasia Attitude Scale may be a reliable and valid measure for assessing the attitudes toward euthanasia in medical professionals.

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