Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of BNS and BNSS, 2023 among Medical Professionals in a Tertiary Healthcare Centre: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, and Indian Evidence Act have now been substituted by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). These legislative changes hold considerable importance for medical practitioners, especially in medicolegal contexts like cases of medical negligence and sexual offences. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and perception of medical professionals regarding new legal codes of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at a tertiary care medical college over six months (August 2024 – January 2025) to assess knowledge, attitude, and perception regarding BNS and BNSS. Participants included MBBS students (second year onwards), interns, postgraduates, and practising doctors. Data were collected using a validated, self-administered online questionnaire. Out of 354 responses received, 30 were excluded for incompleteness or non-consent, yielding a𿿿nal sample of 324 participants. Statistical analysis was performed sing escriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression, with signi𿿿cance set at p<0.05. Results: Interns and MBBS students showed more awareness on most of the questions compared to practising doctors because of a lack of adequate continuing medical education among practising doctors and a lack of postgraduate-level training on practical legal issues. About 65% of the participants perceived that the new codes could improve the doctor-patient relationship. Conclusion: The overall positive outlook among MBBS students and interns is encouraging, but knowledge gaps in practising doctors highlight the need for additional medicolegal education and training.