RAISR4D Suicide

End-of-life decision-making: A cross-sectional study on knowledge and views of the Dutch general public

20/05/2026

AI Summary

Public knowledge of PAD regulation is limited; respondents averaged five of ten knowledge questions correct.
Most citizens endorse self-determination at the end of life; 68% agree everyone should have the right to euthanasia or assisted suicide.
Sociodemographic and cultural factors influence knowledge and views; older age, higher education, no migration background, women and non-religious people show greater knowledge and support.

Death Stud. 2026 May 20:1-11. doi: 10.1080/07481187.2026.2668357. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Physician-assisted dying (PAD) has been legal in the Netherlands since 2002. We examined public knowledge of PAD regulation and views on self-determination at the end of life. A cross-sectional survey among citizens aged ≥16 (N = 1,456) included 10 knowledge items and 18 statements on termination of life on request. Knowledge scores were calculated; exploratory factor analysis and linear regressions examined underlying constructs and associations with sociodemographic factors. Respondents answered on average five of ten knowledge questions correctly (response 75%; N = 1,097). Sixty‑eight percent agreed that everyone should have the right to euthanasia or assisted suicide. Four factors explained 60% of variance; most statements loaded on a self‑determination factor. Higher age, education, and no migration background were associated with greater knowledge and appreciation for self-determination; being female and non-religious also with stronger appreciation. Public knowledge of PAD’s legal framework remains limited, while most citizens value self-determination, influenced by sociodemographic and cultural factors.

PMID:42160218 | DOI:10.1080/07481187.2026.2668357

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