Problems and prospects of acquistion of human cadaver for medical education in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES To determine the factors affecting cadaver acquisition in Nigeria, and to find a solution to the problem. METHODS The research was conducted from May 2009 to November 2010 in the Anatomy and Histopathology Departments of selected medical schools and government hospitals in Nigeria. It was a retrospective study done on the basis of simple random sampling technique. A total of 38 questionnaires were distributed of which 34 were received and analysed statistically by percentage method. RESULT Problems identified in cadaver acquisition included: religion, culture, ignorance and love even after death. Steps which may change the scenario were identified as education, provision of ambulance and donation centres, improved acquisitions procedures and formalities, and government legislation. Alternatives to cadaver dissection include the use of audio-visual aids, models of body parts and anirnal bodies, but the scarcity of cadavers in most colleges will affect the quality of anatomical knowledge and subsequent clinical practice. CONCLUSION The supply of cadavers will remain scarce and affected by religious and moral factors. There is a need to promote the concept of voluntary donation of one's body for the good of the others which is essentially a humanitarian approach and rewarding in terms of promoting the cause of medical education in Nigeria.