Knowledge and Attitude towards Post-mortem Examination amongst the Residents of Imphal West

Abstract

A postmortem examination is still under an umbrella of misconceptions, myths, and emotions amongst thepeople as well as physicians. The knowledge and attitude of the general public towards medicolegal postmortem examination have not been investigated thoroughly. This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude towards postmortem examination amongst the residents of Imphal West. A total of 450 participants were approached and analyzed. It was observed that 41% of the participants had adequate knowledge about the medicolegal postmortem examinations. Further, 11 % of the participants had negative attitude towards the postmortem procedure. Despite having an important role in the machinery of justice, the knowledge andattitude of the general public towards autopsy is still poor. From the findings of our study, it is evident thatmyths, misconceptions and lack of awareness still exist in the minds of people about postmortem examinations.There is a need for clarification about the essence of postmortem examination, which is an important tool in the administration of justice.