ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND BIOSAFETY IN MORTUARY SCIENCE PRACTICE AMONG PRACTISING MORTICIANS IN WEST ERN KENYA

Abstract

The human body serves as a vital instructional resource in medical education. It plays a central role in training students, morticians, and supporting biomedical research. Despite its essential use, the handling and exchange of human tissues present ethical complexities. While human remains are generally regarded with moral significance and treated with dignity and care, institutional practices often commodify them by relying on a consistent supply for educational and research purposes. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and biosafety standards of mortuary science among practising morticians in Western Kenya. The specific objectives were: to examine the level of biosafety knowledge and practices among morticians, to identify the necessary competencies for mortuary professionals, and to investigate the factors influencing competency and biosafety skills in this field. The research was anchored in the Context, Input, Process, and Product (CIPP) evaluation framework introduced in 2007. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, with both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. The study targeted practising morticians working across Western Kenya. Using Yamane’s formula, a sample size of 89 was calculated. Purposive census sampling was applied prior to data collection, ethical clearance was secured from the Institutional Scientific Research and Ethics Committee (ISREC MMUST) and the National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation (NACOSTI). Permissions were also obtained from relevant institutions, and informed consent was secured from participants.A pre-test study was carried out at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital Funeral Home to evaluate the reliability and validity of the data collection tools. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 28.While qualitative data was thematically analyzed, and triangulated. Three major themes emerged: Lack of essential medical supply, poor remuneration and lack of representation among practising morticians. Findings were displayed using tables, charts, and graphs. The most common area of training reported was the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), with a participation rate of 87(97.8%). In contrast, training in handling sharps and waste was significantly lower, at 1(1.1%) and 2(2.2%), respectively. Approximately 42(46.60%) of participants indicated they consistently apply biosafety practices in their daily work. Overall, 90(82% )demonstrated strong biosafety skills, with the highest proficiency observed in ethical practices 95(86.5%) and technical abilities 64(58.4%). Additionally, 90(82%) exhibited strong business management skills. A mortician was classified as competent if they showed high proficiency in at least three out of the four assessed skill areas. Based on this criterion, 64(71.9%) of the respondents were considered competent. Competency levels were influenced by both the county of employment and the type of facility. Morticians in Kakamega County were 69% less likely to be deemed competent compared to their counterparts in Vihiga County(AOR=0.31,95% CI=0.04-0.54). Furthermore, those working in public mortuaries were 2.13 times more likely to exhibit competency compared to those in mission-based facilities(AOR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.39 – 6.13). Personal demographic characteristics did not show a significant impact on competen cy.Conclusion, there is significant variation on biosafety skills, competence, facility type and county among practising morticians in Western Kenya.The study recommends ongoing biosafety training for practising morticians, the promotion of competency based training programs, and the enhancement of mortuary facilities with adequate resources to support safe and effective practice. Keywords: Assessment. Knowledge. Biosafety. Mortuary Science Practice, Practising Morticians.Western, Kenya