{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Study of social awareness regarding body donations for scientific and educational purposes.
{Author}: Karaś R;Lepich T;Starszak K;Bajor G;
{Journal}: Folia Morphol (Warsz)
{Volume}: 0
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 May 17
{Factor}: 1.195
{DOI}: 10.5603/fm.100032
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>The basis of teaching anatomy is the understanding of the body's structures using human cadavers. Body donation should be a fully conscious and voluntary act. There is a growing demand for human cadavers in medical universities. To meet these demands, it is necessary to understand the societal awareness regarding body donation.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>The study utilized a proprietary single-choice questionnaire while maintaining the anonymity of the respondents. The study included 1004 individuals, comprising 700 women and 304 men. The analysis employed the Mann-Whitney test, Pearson's chi-squared test with calculation of the Cramer's V coefficient.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Among the respondents, 56.37% consider donating their bodies for scientific and educational purposes. Among the concerns associated with donation, fear of lack of proper respect for the remains by students (18.23%), family opposition (16.24%), and religious reasons (9.16%) were highlighted. Non-religious individuals are more inclined to donate their bodies for scientific and educational purposes than religious individuals (p < 0.001). Residents of rural areas and small towns are less likely to consider donating their bodies for scientific and educational purposes than residents of large cities (p = 0.002). As many as 85.76% of respondents believe that human remains are essential for effective anatomy education.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Increasing public awareness of cadaver donation may contribute to increasing the effectiveness of anatomy teaching at medical universities.