Chaminda, U. G. G.Warushahennadi, J.2024-11-252024-11-252020Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine, Science & Law December 2020 Vol. 11, No. 2, P. 9 - 162012-7081https://ir.lib.pdn.ac.lk/handle/20.500.14444/4025Introduction: 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.en-USDead body ManagementArmy soldiersKnowledge and attitudes.Article