Discussion about death still a taboo for some: Poll

While death could be a pain-free event, people are most worried about loved ones being in pain or frightened in the final hours or minutes of life, says a new poll that suggests that most people know nothing about dying.

One third of the public opted not to answer questions about end of life, suggesting that the topic remains taboo for some, said the survey.

About 60 per cent of the people feel they know little or nothing about the final hours of life, showed the survey of around 1,000 British adults.

"It is striking that six in 10 people feel they know very little or nothing about what happens to a person at the end of life, despite half of people having been with someone when they died," said Robert Lechler, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences in Britain which worked with market research firm Ipsos MORI for the survey.

"Not knowing what may happen to a loved one as they die can exacerbate fears at the hardest times of our life.

"It may also mean that people struggle to think clearly about how best to fulfil the wishes of a dying family member or friend, let alone know what to ask doctors and nurses," Lechler said in a statement released by Academy of Medical Sciences.

One third of the public opted not to answer questions about end of life, suggesting that the topic remains taboo for some, said the survey released on Thursday.

The poll also revealed that those who know at least a little about what happens at the end of life are as likely to get their information about what happens at the end of life from documentaries (20 per cent) as they are from medical professionals (22 per cent).

Interestingly, information from films, dramas and soaps (16 per cent) also falls in the top five sources of information.

The most common sources of information come from conversations with family and friends (42 per cent) and personal experience of being with someone in the final hours/minutes of their life (33 per cent).

"TV and films rarely ever depict 'normal' deaths. For many individuals, death is a gentle, peaceful and pain-free event," said Dame Lesley, Professor at University of Sussex in Britain.

"We need to demystify death and talk about it more," Lesley added.

--IANS

gb/na