Abstract
Objective This study evaluated the desire for hastened death (DHD) in cancer patients at varying stages of disease to determine its frequency and relationship to physical and psychological distress. Methods Two hundred twenty-four inpatients at Princess Margaret Hospital completed questionnaires assessing pain, physical symptoms, depression, hopelessness, and DHD. Results There was significant physical and psychological distress in this sample with a mean of nine physical symptoms reported by each subject. Seven percent reported moderate DHD on the Schedule of Attitudes Towards Hastened Death (SAHD) and 2% reported high DHD. Hopelessness and stage of disease were the only significant independent predictors of DHD and their interaction was associated with increased DHD. Hopelessness and, less so, depression both mediated the pathways between illness-related factors and DHD. Conclusions Findings suggest that DHD is significantly related to hopelessness and advancing disease. Assessment of this phenomenon prior to the end of life may provide opportunities for intervention.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
