STUDY OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PERCEPTION REGARDING MEDICO-LEGAL AUTOPSY IN GENERAL POPULATION -

Abstract

Autopsy plays the crucial role in the development of the science and practice of medicine. Despite of that, general population does not look at it in worthy manner. Medico-legal autopsy means post mortem examination of body for better administration of justice in the court of law. Objectives: The objectives of this study are to assess the knowledge, attitude and perception regarding medico-legal autopsy in the general population. Material and method: A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out at Pondicherry. Total 250 individuals were interviewed with the help of a pretested and semi-structured questionnaire. Results: There was a significant difference in knowledge, attitude and perception pertaining to medico-legal autopsy among people according to their age, sex, religion and educational status. Conclusion: There is a need to increase the awareness and attitude among the general population related to medico-legal autopsy.