Management of the dead in disasters : knowledge, attitudes and self-reported practices amongs a group of army soldiers in Sri Lanka
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Date
2020
Authors
Chaminda, U. G. G.
Warushahennadi, J.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Abstract
Introduction:
Improper management of the dead in disasters can hinder the identification, leads to loss of important forensic evidence and affects the dignity of the dead. Army soldiers play a vital role in dead body management in disasters.
Objective:
To describe the knowledge, attitudes and self- reported practices on management of the dead in disasters among a group of army soldiers in Galle district, Sri Lanka.
Materials and Methods:
This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a self- administered questionnaire. Based on the percentage of correct responses, participants were classified into three groups denoting their overall knowledge using pre- determined cut-off values (>70% - “good”, 50-70% - “moderate”, <50% - “poor” level of knowledge).
Results:
The study population was 188 army soldiers (n=188). A majority (61.2%, n=115) had a moderate level and 32.4% (n=61) had a good level of overall knowledge. Knowledge regarding wearing face masks by dead body recovery teams was poor in 92%, while knowledge in spraying disinfectants to dead bodies was poor in 69.1%.
Respectively 21.8% and 52.1% believed that funeral rites are not important and dead bodies of foreign nationals should be treated better than locals. A majority (59%) had reported that they used gloves and boots in dead body recovery process.
Conclusions:
Even though a majority had either moderate or good level of overall knowledge, deficiencies of knowledge in certain aspects were evident. A majority had more favourable attitudes and there is a space for improvement in certain practices of dead body management.
Description
Keywords
Dead body Management , Army soldiers , Knowledge and attitudes.
Citation
Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine, Science & Law December 2020 Vol. 11, No. 2, P. 9 - 16