Background: The use of animals in research and education evokes an emotional response in students that may impact their learning outcomes. Having knowledge about animal welfare regulations may assure them that animals are well-taken care off and that may influence their attitude.
Aim and Objective: The present study was, therefore, initiated to assess the knowledge and attitude of medical students toward animal research and welfare.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 210 second and final MBBS students of Malla Reddy Medical College for Women, Suraram, Hyderabad. Hard copies of a pre-validated questionnaire used in previous studies consisting of 19 questions were administered to the students after obtaining informed consent. The primary outcomes knowledge and attitude were measured in percentages and compared using SPSS version 20.
Results: Only 17% of the students felt that animal research cannot be justified and should be stopped. The majority of the students (43%) had poor knowledge about animal welfare regulations.
Conclusion: There is a need to improve the knowledge of students about the animal welfare regulations followed in India.
Key words: Animal Welfare; Attitude; Medical Students; Attitude
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