Influence of Nursing Students' Perceptions of a Good Death and Hospice on Preference for Care Near the End of Life

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of nursing students’ perceptions of a good death and hospice care on their preferences for end-of-life treatment. Methods: A total of 167 second-, third-, and fourth-year nursing students from universities located in cities U and B participated in the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS/WIN 28.0. Results: Among the subdomains of end-of-life treatment preferences, being under 30 years of age significantly influenced preferences for autonomous decision-making (β = 0.21, p = .008) and decision-making by healthcare professionals (β = 0.21, p = .007). Perceptions of hospice care significantly influenced preferences for decision-making by healthcare professionals (β = 0.21, p = .017), spirituality (β = 0.28, p = .001), pain management (β = 0.23, p = .021), and family involvement (β = 0.33, p < .001). Conclusion: Perceptions of hospice care were identified as the most influential factor across multiple domains of end-of-life treatment preferences. These findings highlight the need to develop and promote educational programs that enhance nursing students’ understanding and perceptions of hospice care.