Document Type : Original Article
Authors
- . Xavier Belsiyal. C
- . Ankit Srivastav 1
- . Sukanya Ray 2
- . M. Krishna Prasad 3
- . Abhijit P. Pakhare 4
- . Bertha A. D. Rathinam 1
1 Department of Anatomy, AIIMS, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
2 Department of Clinical Psychology, TISS, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
3 Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
4 Department of CFM, AIIMS, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Human anatomy instruction is mostly focused on cadaver dissection and prosected
specimen examination. Exposure to cadaver dissection can be a stressful experience that may cause
a wide variety of symptoms among students of health sciences. To compare and evaluate the effect
of in‑vitro and in‑vivo exposure on cadaveric anxiety, disgust propensity and sensitivity, and attitude
toward death and dying among 1st‑year medical and nursing students.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: An open‑label randomized trial (matched‑control experimental
design) was conducted among 127 1st‑year Medical and Nursing students from a selected Institute of
National Importance, Bhopal, India during 2015. The participants were divided into an experimental
and control group based on matched trait anxiety scores using the Trait Anxiety Inventory. Followed
by preassessment, video demonstration with cadaver dissection (in vitro exposure) was then
administered to the experimental group, while the control group had direct exposure to cadaver
dissection (in vivo exposure).
RESULTS: The study showed that there was a statistically significant difference in state anxiety
related to cadaver dissection in the experimental group (P = 0.01). However, video‑demonstration of
cadaver dissection did not have any effect on disgust propensity and sensitivity and attitude toward
death and dying.
CONCLUSION: The findings provided evidence that video‑demonstration of cadaver dissection
reduced anxiety, although it did not have any effect on disgust and attitudes of death. The dissection
hall experience may evoke feelings of anxiety and disgust that need to be addressed through advanced
preparedness and coping strategies, especially among medical and nursing students.
Keywords
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