Views of medical faculty students on animal experiments in medical training

Current study aimed to determine medical faculty students’ personal approaches towards use of animals in experiments during medical training. 130 thirdyear students attending Mersin University Medical Faculty were administered a survey composed of statements regarding their views on animal experiments in medical training.88 participants were males (67.2%) and 42 were females (32.3%) with a mean age of 21.79. According to statements, ten students liked animals (77.7%), 43 were afraid of them (33.1%) and 86 had pets (46.1%). Gender differences were not observed in views (p>0.05). Students adopting the view stating the need for animal experiments in basic medical training liked animals to a higher extent (p=0.006), were less scared of them (p=0.020) and spent more time with them (p=0.040). Students who preferred using video recordings as an alternative expressed less liking for animals (p=0.034) and spent less time with them (p=0.004). Inclination to utilize animals in experiments increased along with the increase in zoolatry and in case of owning pets. Students believed in the necessity for animal experiments during medical training and preferred using animals to alternative visual materials.