Autopsy - Perception and Attitudes of Undergraduate Medical Students in South India: A Questionnaire Survey

Background: Autopsy is a investigative procedure that has been in use since several years. Even though It helps in arriving at a decision regarding the cause of death, its use is declining recently, which should be a cause of concern. Aim and objectives: To determine the perception and attitude of undergraduate medical students towards autopsy. Materials and methods: 300 undergraduate medical students, 200 females and 100 males were given a questionnaire and asked to fill the form anonymously. The data obtained was statistically analysed. Results: Most of the students (235, 78.33%) were of opinion that autopsy procedure is necessary. Many of them stated that they gained knowledge from the autopsies they watched (246, 82%) and there is a need for casualty posting of Forensic Medicine for trauma, poisoning and other medico-legal cases (230, 76.66%). Conclusion: Knowledge and attitude has a main role in improvement in the field of Forensic medicine and Toxicology.