A STUDY ON HEALTH OUTCOMES AND HYGIENE MEASURES IN CADAVERIC DISSECTION AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS

Background:Cadaveric dissection, considered the cornerstone of anatomy education, provides essential hands-on learning for medical students. However, exposure to formalin and cadaveric material may lead to health issues and infection risks if proper hygiene is not maintained. Aim:To study the physical and psychological health outcomes and assess hygiene measures followed by medical students during cadaveric dissection. Material and Methods A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted from October 2023 to September 2024 among 150 first-year MBBS students in the Department of Anatomy. Students meeting the inclusion criteria completed a structured questionnaire assessing symptoms and hygiene practices. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and p-values for significance. Results:Among 150 participants (54% male, 46% female), common symptoms included eye irritation (48%), emotional distress (37%), nausea (30%), and headache (26%). Most symptoms were statistically significant (p < 0.001) except eye irritation (p = 0.708). Regarding hygiene, 93.3% used gloves, 90% wore lab coats, 86.7% washed hands, but only 63.3% wore face masks. Additionally, 80% were aware of infection risks, and 73.3% reported adequate ventilation.