IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH AND PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH (IJHPR )

E-ISSN 2545-5737
P-ISSN 2695-2165
VOL. 10 NO. 3 2025
DOI: 10.56201/ijhpr.vol.10.no3.2025.pg99.125

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Knowledge And Attitude of Autopsy Practice Amongst Adults Residing in Bayelsa State

Boloya Vukumo Eric, Sawyer Wisdom Ebiye, Peter Chukwudi Nwakile

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Abstract

Background: It is left to an autopsy to be performed on the body, whenever there is death to determine the cause(s) of death, particularly if the cause of death is suspicious. Aim: The main aim of the study is to assess the level of knowledge and attitude of autopsy practice in Bayelsa State. Method: The study adopted a mixed method using both quantitative and qualitative methods, adopting both a descriptive survey design and thematic analysis. The population of the study consists of all members of the communities of Bayelsa State. A total of 374 respondents were sampled. Also, six people were sampled, using open-ended questions. The instruments for data collection were validated, self-developed 21-item questionnaire and an interview guide containing open-ended questions. Results: data obtained from the study shows that the majority of participants (50.3%) were knowledgeable, which can provide valuable insights for the study. The results revealed that most deaths have medically justifiable causes, and autopsies can be performed on any dead person, regardless of age or time of death. The results show that participants have adequate knowledge and positive attitude towards autopsies. However, there is a need to enhance public awareness of the benefits of autopsies and understand the socio- economic environment to explain people's behavior. This is particularly important to clear up myths and cultural beliefs. Conclusion: The study concluded that to improve autopsy performance, policies, training, funding, and modern facilities in hospitals and healthcare centres should be developed.

keywords:

Adult residents, Autopsy, Autopsy practice, Bayelsa State, Post-mortem

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