Abstract

Background: An autopsy is a systematic examination of a dead body for medical, legal, or scientific purposes. A medicolegal autopsy is conducted to determine the cause, time, and manner of death, establish identity, and decide whether the death is natural or unnatural. In India, all unnatural deaths must undergo a medicolegal autopsy to ensure justice. For MBBS students, attending autopsy postings is essential for understanding real-life postmortem procedures and preparing them for future responsibilities as medical officers. However, many students hesitate to attend autopsies due to fear, misconceptions, or lack of exposure. This study aimed to assess students’ knowledge, attitudes, and barriers related to medicolegal and clinical autopsies. Objectives: The primary objective was to evaluate medical students’ knowledge and attitudes toward postmortem examination and their interest in forensic medicine as a career. Secondary objectives included identifying associations with demographic factors (age, gender, prior exposure) and exploring misconceptions and barriers to attending autopsy postings. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among Phase II to Phase IV MBBS students and interns at Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai. A structured and validated questionnaire was administered to 205 participants. It assessed demographic details, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceptions regarding postmortem examination. Data were analysed descriptively. Results: Most participants were Phase II students aged 19-20 years (mean age 19.6 years). Overall knowledge was satisfactory. About 87% knew that police or Magistrate requisition and an inquest report are required before medicolegal autopsy. Around 85% understood its purpose, and 93% knew partial autopsy is not allowed. Knowledge about organ preservation was limited (51.9%). Most students were aware of proper body storage (82.4%) and virtopsy (75.9%). Regarding attitude, 69.9% supported compulsory autopsy exposure. While 78.5% were willing to handle a dead body, 60.7% were hesitant to appear in court. Interest in forensic medicine as a career was expressed by 65.4%. Conclusion: Students showed good basic knowledge and a positive attitude, but practical skills and confidence, especially regarding court duties needs improvement through increased hands-on training and mock court sessions.

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