Religion, risk, and medical decision making at the end of life

J Aging Health. 2008 Aug;20(5):545-59. doi: 10.1177/0898264308317538. Epub 2008 Apr 28.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to present empirical evidence about whether religious patients are more or less willing to undergo the risks associated with potentially life-sustaining treatment.

Methods: At least every 4 months 226 older community-dwelling persons with advanced cancer, congestive heart failure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were asked questions about several dimensions of religiousness and about their willingness to accept potentially life-sustaining treatment.

Results: Results were mixed but persons who said that during their illness they grew closer to God (odds ratio [OR] = 1.79; 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.15, 2.78) or those grew spiritually (OR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.03, 2.52) were more willing to accept risk associated with potentially life-sustaining treatment than were persons who did not report such growth.

Discussion: Not all dimensions of religiousness have the same association with willingness to undergo potentially life-sustaining treatment. Seriously ill older, religious patients are not especially predisposed to avoid risk and resist treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Decision Making*
  • Heart Failure / psychology
  • Humans
  • Life Support Care / psychology*
  • Life Support Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Neoplasms / psychology
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / psychology
  • Religion and Psychology*
  • Risk*
  • Spirituality
  • Terminal Care / psychology*
  • Terminal Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Terminally Ill / psychology*
  • United States