Aims: In 1992 the characteristics of individuals who bequeathed their bodies to Otago Medical School were reported. The aim of our study was to determine if the profile of bequestees has changed.
Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was sent to 200 randomly selected donors who registered their bequest between 2000 and 2009. Questions focused on age, gender, marital status, occupation, reason for making the bequest, sources of information, the decision to choose whole body donation, and research.
Results: There were 140 replies (response rate 70%). As in the previous study, most people bequeathed after the age of 50 years. Few respondents were in healthcare jobs and none was a medical doctor. Reasons for donation have changed slightly; the proportion bequeathing their body primarily to aid medical science and teaching has increased to 90%. Almost all respondents believe their body would be used for teaching and research. Word of mouth and literature continue to be the dominant methods of learning about body donation. Nearly 40% of bequestees come from families where other members have donated their bodies.
Conclusions: The Otago School of Medical Sciences continues to depend on altruistic whole-body donation for anatomical teaching and research. The profile of our bequestees has changed slightly during the past 20 years. Although there has been no fundamental shift in donor attributes, bequestees appear to be better informed about how their body will be used.