Attitudes of students who study in different departments against body donation

Abstract

Objective: As technology continues to advance, alternative methods of cadaver education have emerged in anatomy lessons. However, cadaver dissection remains a fundamental component of medical education curricula worldwide. Material and Methods: This research was conducted among students enrolled in health sciences and other disciplines at İzmir Bakırçay University. A total of five hundred and eighty-four students took part in the study. The survey aimed to gather information on students' sociodemographic attributes and their perspectives regarding the potential donation of their and their family members' bodies for use as cadavers after their passing. Resuts: The analysis of the study's data revealed that students in both groups expressed a reluctance to donate their own bodies or those of their family members. Nonetheless, a majority of students emphasized the significance of cadaveric education, indicating that the willingness to donate cadavers could potentially rise with increased exposure to informative advertisements and comprehensive awareness campaigns. Conclusion: Despite the prevalent Islamic faith in Turkish society, survey findings indicate that religious beliefs do not significantly impede body donation. The study reveals that the primary deterrent to body donation in Turkey is the perceived lack of professionalism within the institutions accepting such donations. To enhance body donation rates in the country, a promising strategy involves launching comprehensive body donation campaigns through mass media, effectively showcasing the competence and professionalism of the parties involved in these initiatives.