Citation

Dekal V, Shruthi P. Indian J. Forensic Med. Toxicol. 2017; 11(1): 115-119.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, All-India Institute of Medical Sciences. Deptartment of Forensic Medicine)

DOI

10.5958/0973-9130.2017.00025.1

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Deliberate self harm or Suicide forms a large proportion of autopsies conducted in various hospitals and institutions in almost all parts of India. In the recent years, Hanging, a form of suicide, is the most common type of asphyxial death that forensic experts come across in their practice. A retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore from April 2004 to March 2006, with an objective to study the socio demographic profile in autopsy cases of hanging. All the parameters were expressed in percentage. Out of 810 autopsies, 27.9% cases were that of hanging. Males were more vulnerable than the females. Hindus outnumbered the rest. Maximum belonged to lower socioeconomic class. Maximum incidence of hanging was noted between 21-30 years of age. 57.96% cases occurred between 6PM to 6AM with maximum cases in rainy season. Most of the victims were educated, employed and belonged to urban area. Financial and family problems were the root cause for 43.82% of the deaths. The results of this study provides the necessary information in formulating remedial measures to prevent immature mortality. © 2017, Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Autopsy; Demographic profile; Hanging; Violent asphyxia