Voluntary body donation knowledge and attitudes among medical fraternity and general population: A questionnaire based cross sectional study in a tertiary care centre in south karnataka

Abstract

Background: Cadaveric dissection remains the cornerstone of medical education. Despite an increasing demand for cadavers due to expansion of medical institutions, voluntary whole-body donation in India remains inadequate, largely due to lack of awareness, misconceptions, and sociocultural barriers. Objectives: To assess and compare the knowledge and attitudes regarding voluntary whole-body donation among the medical fraternity and the general population in South Karnataka. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of one month. A total of 200 participants were included using random sampling, comprising members of the medical fraternity (doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff) and the general population of Mandya district. Data were collected using a structured, predesigned questionnaire in English and Kannada, assessing socio-demographic variables, awareness, attitudes, willingness, and perceived barriers to body donation. Results: Awareness regarding body donation was universal among the medical fraternity, whereas a few participants among the general population were unaware of the concept. Social media was the major source of information on body donation among the general population, whereas for medical fraternity, the main source of information were doctors and medical professors. Willingness to donate the body was low among both the groups. Motivation for body donation differed between groups, with the medical fraternity being primarily driven by the desire to support medical education, while the general population was more often motivated by the wish to be remembered by future generations, and both groups also cited reducing the financial burden of funeral expenses on their families as an important factor. Psychological anxiety, fear of mishandling of the body, lack of family consent, and inadequate knowledge were the major deterrents for those who were unwilling for donation. Financial compensation for body donation was supported by participants from both the groups. Both the groups strongly agree that public awareness regarding body donation was inadequate and that enhanced awareness could improve donation rates. Conclusion: The study highlights significant gaps in knowledge and a generally unfavourable attitude towards voluntary body donation, particularly among the general population. Strengthening public awareness programmes, addressing sociocultural and psychological concerns, simplifying donation procedures, and honouring donors through institutional recognition are essential measures to promote voluntary whole-body donation. Improved availability of cadavers will enhance the quality of anatomical education, surgical training, and biomedical research, thereby producing better-trained healthcare professionals.

Keywords: General population, medical fraternity, voluntary body donation