Medical students' perspectives on body donation to science within the Italian context

Body donation is essential for medical education and research, supporting anatomical training and clinical competence. In Italy, national data on awareness of the legislation regulating body donation and factors shaping donation-related decisions among healthcare trainees remain limited. This study investigated knowledge of the legal framework, attitudes, and willingness for body donation among Italian medical students and residents. A two-phase mixed-methods study was conducted. In phase 1, qualitative interviews informed the development of a structured questionnaire. In phase 2, a national cross-sectional survey was carried out in 2023 using a CAWI questionnaire. Items explored exposure to body-based training, awareness of body donation and related legislation, perceived barriers and facilitators, and willingness to donate. Group comparisons and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. A total of 1044 participants completed the survey. Most were aware of body donation (92.8%), awareness of regulating law was limited (78.2% unaware), and public information was perceived as insufficient (69.6%). Overall, 53.8% reported willingness for body donation. Cultural and spiritual beliefs, emotional discomfort, and bureaucratic procedures emerged as major barriers. Students more often identified knowledge as a facilitator and less often viewed emotional involvement as a barrier compared with residents. In multivariable analysis, willingness to donate was negatively associated with male gender and lack of exposure or interest in body-based training. Among Italian healthcare trainees, willingness to consider body donation is high but coexists with limited legal awareness and persistent social barriers. Educational strategies within healthcare training contexts may support informed decision-making and greater engagement.