National University of Singapore
UNDERSTANDING UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS PALLIATIVE CARE IN SINGAPORE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
Abstract
dc:description.abstractPalliative care has become an essential response to the global rise in chronic and life-limiting illnesses, with cancer as a major driver of need. While many patients with terminal cancer prefer to receive care and spend their final days at home, this places considerable demands on family caregivers, who often face significant physical, emotional, and social burdens. At the same time, preparing future generations through palliative care education is increasingly recognised as vital for ensuring sustainable end-of-life care systems. This thesis presents two complementary studies that address these interconnected challenges. The first is a systematic review that synthesises qualitative evidence on the experiences, coping strategies, and support needs of family caregivers providing home-based palliative care to patients with terminal cancer. The second is a cross-sectional survey assessing the knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate students in Singapore towards palliative care, highlighting both gaps and opportunities for educational interventions. Together, these findings underscore the urgent need to strengthen caregiver support, expand public education, and enhance societal readiness for palliative care. The thesis concludes by discussing how insights from families and young adults can inform policy, education, and community engagement to foster compassionate and sustainable models of end-of-life care.
Author and committee
dc:creator, dc:contributor.*- Author dc:creator
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- DENG XINMING