Citation

Sharija S, Sreekumari K, Geetha O. J. Ind. Acad. Forensic Med. 2011; 33(3): 237-240.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

Suicide rate is increasing all over the world; but the rate is disproportionately higher in Kerala. One hundred and eighty one cases of known dead bodies of both genders brought for medico-legal autopsy with history of suicide by hanging, were studied at the Department of Forensic Medicine, State Medico Legal Institute, Government Medical College, Thruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. There was a male preponderance in the study group (71.3%) and majority of males were young or middle aged (82.1%) whereas females were adolescents or young adults (73.1%). Among the males, only 2.3% were farmers. Alcoholism was noted in 75.2% of males. Immediate psychological problems were the reason for suicide in 33.7% of cases, majority of them being married (55.8%). Soft materials, that were easily available, were used as ligatures (48.6%) which were tightened around neck by slip knots (58%) on the sides of neck (53%).

Language: en

Keywords

Suicide; Hanging; Alcoholism; Psychological problems; Soft ligature material