Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions on Bequeathing of Bodies for Medical Education and Research among Health Science Students of the University of Health and Allied Sciences

Abstract

Introduction. Cadaveric dissection is an established effective teaching method in anatomical science education. Cadaver acquisition for dissection is, however, based on voluntary body bequeathment. As a result of the increasing numbers of medical schools and student intake, the challenges of inadequate bodies for education became obvious in most parts of the world as the main cadaver source remains anonymous corpses in the custody of the state. Cultural and religious beliefs or commercial purposes are among the several factors that influence the decision about body bequeathal. This study investigates the knowledge, attitude, and perceptions of body bequeathing among health science students who benefitted or are potential beneficiaries of cadaveric studies and identified factors influencing the bequest of bodies in Ghana for educational purposes among students in the University of Health and Allied Sciences. Method. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. The study recruited 513 students in the bachelor programs in medicine, physician assistantship, nursing, midwifery, pharmacy, and allied health sciences at various levels. Both closed- and open-ended questions contained in the designed questionnaire were administered. Result. About 74.1% of the respondents had heard of body bequeathal. Majority (98.3%) agreed body bequeathal was important. However, only 39.6% knew the requirements and processes of body bequeathal. Most (>90%) had a negative attitude toward body bequeathal. Conclusion. The study concluded that there was a high awareness of the importance of body bequeathal for medical education and research but very low procedural knowledge on bequeathing, amongst health science students. Moreover, most were unwillingness to donate their bodies or even encourage others to donate their bodies. It is, therefore, recommended that medical schools should setup accessible body bequeathal programs that provide opportunities for interested individuals to be readily assisted through the process of body bequeathal.