A Statistical and Social Study of the Cadaveric Population of the Estácio de Sá University, João Uchoa campus, in the state of Rio de Janeiro: A Correlation with International Databases.

Abstract

Human Anatomy in the academic formation of Medicine displays significant importance in the understanding of the human body, and stands out in student formation, since the practice puts the student in contact with cadavers. The study and management of the body without subject is especially due to the need for the organic mapping of the human being. Drawing a parallel between the use of cadavers in a worldwide context, in which cadaver donation is much more recurrent, in a Brazilian context the use of cadavers occurs mainly through LAW No. 8.501, OF NOVEMBER 30, 1992 which provides for the use of an unclaimed cadaver for the purposes of scientific studies or research. In this context, the aim of the present study is to demonstrate how cadaver donation is still a taboo for Brazilian society and how cadaver use is closely related to the economic and social situations of a marginalized and neglected population. A statistical survey of the cadaver population used in the medical course of the Estácio de Sá University, João Uchôa campus, in the state of Rio de Janeiro was carried out based on death certificates present at the educational institution, from 1995 to 2017. A total of 284 death certificates were used and the following markers were observed: sex, age, race, main cause of death and origin of the cadaver (donation/indigent). Statistical analyses were performed applying the One-Binominal Test at a significance level of P = 0.05, in order to highlight the discrepancy between males and females and between donated and non-donated corpses. The analyses were performed using IBM® SPSS® version 23 for Mac (New York, USA) and GraphPad Prism version 7.00 for Windows. With the obtained data, hypotheses were raised about the destination of the bodies, and correlations between the results were discussed. A continuous decrease in the number of cadavers available for study was observed. In addition, this study also emphasizes how much this theme is neglected by the academic community. In Brazil there is a complete aversion to the idea of life donation of a person's own mortal remains, which culminates in a frequent fear of becoming an anatomical piece. Brazilian society is moving contrary to several developed countries that cultivate cadaver donations for study. Thus, we conclude that it is necessary to discuss the subject within universities that use corpses for study and research purposes, as well as a need for society understanding of the validity of this practice for the benefit of Science. Therefore, it is necessary to work in a way that allows for the teaching of anatomy to elicit student reflections about the humanity of the subjects and the socio-economic interferences allowed for the study of the individuals who lie on the tables of the anatomical department. Support or Funding Information The work had funding from the present authors and support from college of medicine, Campus João Uchôa, Universidade Estácio de Sá. This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.