Some people worry about getting life prolonging treatment they don't
want, while others worry about NOT getting life prolonging treatment
they DO want.

The first problem is often referred to as medical paternalism, while the

second is often referred to as medical futility, where a patient, or
family member, demands a treatment that the medical team thinks is
futile.

Anyone aware of any research on the question of whether these problems
break down by social class?  That is, do middle class folk tend to worry

more about paternalism, and disadvantaged folk (economically, racially,
etc) tend to worry more about futility?

That is -- disadvantaged people are used to NOT getting what they need
from the social system, so continue to have the same fear as they are
dying -- namely, that important treatment will be withheld from them?

I'm writing from Canada, so I also wonder if futility is more of a
problem in the US, as opposed to Canada or Europe?  (This may also be
why my question is naive, if it is!)

Michael