Exploring perceptions and attitudes of medical students towards forensic medicine and toxicology: A monocentric survey-based evaluation

• Author Details:   
• Jay Narayan Pandit ^*
• Ram Bilash Gupta
• Surya Kiran Panga
• Shyam Kishore
• Fakhar Alam

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Background: Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (FMT) are integral components of the MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) curriculum, encompassing legal, toxicological, and medical jurisprudence aspects. Despite their importance, research on students’ perceptions of FMT remains limited.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate medical students’ knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes towards FMT and assess the influence of FMT training on their career inclinations.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from September to November 2023 at KMC, Katihar, Bihar, India, involving 368 participants from various professional years. Participants completed a validated questionnaire assessing their opinions on FMT subjects in the MBBS curriculum. Data were analysed using statistical tests to compare responses across different groups.

Results & Discussion: The study revealed diverse demographics among participants, with significant variations in attitudes towards FMT across different professional years. While the majority recognized the utility of FMT in their studies, opinions varied on its application and relevance, particularly in legal contexts. Participants engaged in FMT training demonstrated higher levels of interest and understanding, highlighting the positive impact of training on student engagement and comprehension. However, opinions on the overall quality of FMT education remained consistent across all groups, suggesting the need for further curriculum refinement.

Conclusion: This study provides insights into medical students’ perceptions of FMT, emphasizing the importance of tailored educational interventions to meet evolving needs. Further research and multidisciplinary validation are warranted to inform evidence-based strategies for enhancing FMT education in medical schools.

Keywords: Forensic Medicine Subject Training, Medical Student Attitudes, Curriculum Development, Career Preferences