Factors correlated with body donation acceptance in Hunan Province in China: A combined retrospective and cross‐sectional analysis

Human anatomy, a fundamental aspect of medical education, substantially depends on body donations in many regions. Despite the recent increasing acceptance of body donations, China continues to encounter a substantial shortage. Therefore, we conducted a series of studies to examine the characteristics of body donors, the factors correlating with the acceptance to donate, and potential strategies for improving the current situation. We retrospectively analyzed 738 donor registrations at the Body Donation Receiving Station of Xiangya School of Medicine between 1998 and 2023. Furthermore, we conducted a cross-sectional study across Hunan Province, examining sociodemographic characteristics and the acceptance to donate among 3186 participants. We found that males, Changsha residents, and individuals aged ≥65 years were more likely to be willing to donate their bodies. Factors correlated with acceptance of donation included sex (male), older age, Han ethnicity, low educational status, participation in body or organ (tissue) donation initiatives, and knowledge of donation procedures. Conversely, being a technical professional was negatively correlated with acceptance. Publicity and promotion were positively associated with the acceptance of body donations, highlighting the need for targeted campaigns, particularly among technical professionals. Additional receiving stations across various regions could enhance equitable access to body donation programs. This study provides previously unrecorded evidence regarding the factors associated with higher body donation acceptance among Hunan residents, providing valuable insights to guide future public body donation programs and policies.