Data from Google form Questionnaire on Body Donation

<br>Background: The aim was to study the knowledge, attitude and perception of body donation among Phase-1 medical students of our institution. The objectives were to assist the teachers in giving an insight into the perception of this among the students.Methods: It was a cross-sectional, institution-based, time bound study, which comprised 29 validated questions regarding comprehensive aspects of body donation. There was a total of 396 medical students of Phase-1 from admissions for two consecutive years.Results: A majority of the student group (94.4%) were aware of the source of cadavers in the dissection hall, which was either donated or unclaimed bodies from the hospital. However, 38.9% of them were not aware of the guidelines of body donation and 79% were ignorant of the necessary documents required to pledge. But 84.3% were aware that it is mandatory to sign the pledge form. The time frame to procure the dead body to the department of anatomy of the institution was not known to 79% of the participants and 93.2% of the participants opined that the corpses from other neighboring states could be accepted. Opinions regarding the acceptance of donated bodies afflicted with long COVID were supported by 218 (55.1%), not supported by 47 (11.9%) and neutral by 131 (33.1%) participants of this study.<br>Conclusion: There was specific knowledge gaps encountered, which include time frame, logistics and legal issues in procuring the body. Since medical students play an important role in this societal motivation, it is suggested to plan a scientific session in the curriculum of Phase-1 regarding the protocol of body donation. This study, apart from providing insights, also accomplishes the United Nation’s sustainable development goal-4 in offering quality medical education.<br><br>