Neftaly Research on End-of-Life Care Ethics

1. Understand cultural and ethical perspectives on dying, death, and care across South African communities.
2. Promote dignity, autonomy, and compassion in end-of-life care.
3. Support caregivers and families, including children and youth involved in caregiving roles.
4. Inform policy, training, and advocacy in community health, social work, and youth development.

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⚖️ Key Ethical Issues in End-of-Life Care Research

1. Autonomy and Informed Decision-Making

• Respecting the wishes of terminally ill patients, even when they conflict with family or cultural expectations.
• Ensuring that patients (including adolescents when appropriate) understand their care options.

2. Cultural Sensitivity and Spiritual Beliefs

• South Africa’s cultural diversity influences attitudes toward death, including beliefs about suffering, afterlife, and rituals.
• Research must be sensitive to indigenous knowledge systems and traditions.

3. Youth as Caregivers

• In low-income communities, young people often care for terminally ill relatives, which raises ethical concerns:
  • Emotional burden
  • Lack of support or training
  • Disrupted education or personal development

4. Palliative vs. Curative Appro