Knowledge, Attitude and Awareness of Medical Students towards Medico-Legal Autopsy in Sangli, Maharashtra

Abstract

For centuries, autopsy has been instrumental in establishing the cause of death both in clinical and forensic
cases. Even though it helps in arriving at a decision regarding the cause of death and many other things, its
use is declining recently, which should be a cause of concern. With this background, the present study has
been carried out in January 2020 on 150 medical students of 2nd year MBBS by using set of questionnaires,
to assess their knowledge and attitude towards autopsy at department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology
at BVDU & MC, Sangli, Maharashtra. This study shows the students had a reasonable knowledge and good
attitude towards medico-legal autopsy. Majority of the students agreed that need of autopsy in all unnatural,
sudden, unexpected and suspicious death is mandatory and collection of viscera for histo-pathological and
toxicological analysis is useful. Majority of the students think that autopsy helps in solving crimes and gives
information to police. Most of the study population shows interest in attending and performing a greater
number of autopsies. Majority of the students agreed that post mortem examination is useful in medical
education. Majority of the study population says that autopsy is disrespect to human body. Most of the study
population is not aware of virtual autopsy