"افسانه و تصورات غلط در مورد کالبد شکافی پزشکی قانونی در میان مردم هند

Background Medico-legal autopsies are conducted as a part of necessary investigation in all unnatural deaths. In India, the awareness about medico-legal autopsies among the population is still at incipient stage. The procedure is largely stigmatised due to various myths and misconceptions. Apprehension about the procedure brings about various emotional reactions of relatives. Hence the study was carried out to know those myths and misconceptions. Objectives To find out the various myths and misconceptions about the medico-legal autopsies among the people. To make a lay person aware of the importance of medico-legal autopsies. Methods This is a descriptive cross sectional study conducted in central part of Tamilnadu, India. About 600 participants of age 18 to 80 years were included. Their responses were obtained by semistructured questionnaires. Result There is a significant difference noted on various views among this population. Interpretation Administration should strive to rescind these misapprehensions and myths. The medical staff, mass and electronic media should also come forward to educate them. Conclusion Stipulation of health education about the medico-legal autopsies is must for a lay person.

Medico-legal autopsy is an examination of dead body in circumstances of unnatural deaths to know the identity, cause, manner and time since death. In India medico-legal autopsy is conducted by qualified registered medical personnel (Medical officer)1. Number of misapprehensions and myths concerning the role and process of medico-legal autopsy is still existing among the common population. Medico-legal autopsy is a part of their duty for Medical personnel and investigating police officers to conduct and to order it respectively. These officers had often met defiant relatives who were ill aware of the outcome of medico-legal autopsy because of myths and misconceptions. So, Investigating officers and Medical professionals has got an onerous task of further explanations. It lead to inadvertent delay in investigation as well as in autopsy procedure.2 The medical staff can clarify about misperceptions and myths to the family members, in an articulate and sensitive manner.3 and 4 Medical personnel must know what a lay person is exposed to? What they think about? And what are all their perceptions about the procedure?5 and 6 Attitude of the general public will be positive if the details and values of the examination are adequately explained.7 According to Hindu mythology, the cremation of dead bodies is never conducted after sunset. Muslims and Christians also bury their dead in the day and never at night.8 In Tamilnadu since 1996, post-mortems are also permitted during night in all the government hospitals; in certain circumstances.9,10. Explanations given before the autopsy improves the relatives' acceptance and helps to alleviate bereaves’ sufferings. The experience and opinions of relatives may help an autopsy surgeon in more effective management of medico-legal cases.11 and 12 Most of the relatives believe that in the procedure there will be change of appearance and leakage the body fluids. Some participants also thought that extremities would be separated. In all, the procedure will also delay or interfere with funeral arrangements.13 and 14