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This version was published on August 1, 2008
Journal of Aging and Health, Vol. 20, No. 5, 545-559 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/0898264308317538

Religion, Risk, and Medical Decision Making at the End of Life

Peter H. Van Ness, PhD, MPH

Yale University School of Medicine and Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, peter.vanness{at}yale.edu

Virginia R. Towle

Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut

John R. O'Leary, MA

Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut

Terri R. Fried, MD

Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut

Objectives: 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.

Key Words: religion • risk • medical decision making • end of life • aging


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