Attitudes to Cadaver Dissection in a Nigerian Medical School

A.M. Izunya；G.A. Oaikhena；A.O. Nwaopara

Attitudes ； cadaver dissection ； Nigerian medical school ； preclinical students

Asian Journal of Medical Sciences

2卷3期（2010 / 06 / 25）

89 - 94

英文

This study was conducted to determine the attitudes of first year preclinical students to cadaver dissection in the study of human anatomy. A pretested questionnaire with 18 statements was administered to 150 first year preclinical students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. For each question, the students w ere to choose one of the three possible responses: ＂yes＂, ＂no＂ or ＂undecided＂. However, out of the 150 students involved in the study, 104 (68 males and 36 females) responded correctly to the questionnaire and their answers were compiled and analysed. Comparatively, the results showed that 59% of the students found their first visit to the dissetion room exciting. 33% were upset at the beginning of the dissection while 64% were not. 57% did not show any anxiety and stress immediately before and during dissection, while 36% did. 54% were found mentally prepared for dissection and 76% agreed that dissection enhanced there thinking skills. 87% agreed that dissection provided the best method for learning anatomy as 78% agreed that cadaver dissection is ethically acceptable. Majority of the students (90%+) considered cadaver dissection as important and indespensible in the study of human anatomy and 95% reported that they prefer dissection with assistance from their teacher. From the results of the present study, one might confidently infer that cadaver dissection is still considered important and indispensable in the study of human anatomy.