Attitude to autopsy practice by doctors in the South Eastern Part of Nigeria

Abstract

Background: There is a global decline in the autopsy rate despite its contributions to the development of medical practice. Aim: We assessed the utilization of autopsy by medical doctors in a southeastern part of Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among medical doctors practicing in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria. A self-administered, structured questionnaire was used for data collection, including demography, and information related to knowledge, experience, and attitude of respondents. Statistical analysis used: Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: Two hundred and forty-one doctors responded, 68.9% of whom were males and 48.1% consultants. More than 80% of the respondents show that autopsy is of great benefit to clinical practice, including but not limited to serving as a tool for clinical research (n = 227), identification of atypical disease presentation (n = 217), and clinical audit (n = 210). Hindrances to autopsy requests include cultural/religious belief, lack of enabling government, and hospital policies on autopsy. There is a significant relationship between undergraduate autopsy exposure and period of graduation (χ2 = 12.451; P = 0.014) and age of respondents (χ2 = 9.860; P = 0.043), but not the status of respondents (χ2 = 6.699; P = 0.350)Conclusion: Autopsy is an indispensable tool in clinical practice notwithstanding the global decline in its rate. A multifaceted collaboration involving pathologists, clinicians, educators, hospital administrators, government, and policy makers is needed to stem the tide.