|
Abstract
|
Background and Aim: During transition from childhood to adulthood, people are exposed to various hazards having potentiality lead to unnatural deaths by distorting physical, mental and social wellbeing. Studying pattern of unnatural deaths helps stakeholders to formulate policies for prevention of loss of important human resource.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive study with purposive sampling was conducted at KIMS Hospital and Research Centre, Bangalore from 2013 to 2015 wherein the data using pre-tested structured proforma was collected from autopsies of unnatural deaths among pediatric age group (0-18 years). The details pertaining to the Socio demographic characteristics, pattern of injuries and cause of death was ascertained from the police reports, reliable attendants of the deceased, histopathological /hospital records and postmortem reports.The data obtained from this study was analyzed statistically by presenting the data in the form of appropriate tables and graphs, computing the descriptive statistics like mean, median, standard deviation and percentages.
RESULTS: Out of 832 cases, 703 (84.5%) were unnatural deaths, amongst which 8.8% cases were of paediatrics of age group. In that (82.2%) 51 cases belonged to 12-18 years, followed by 5-12 years and preschool age (3-5years) each with 4 cases (6.5%), 3 cases (4.8%) are of toddlers (1-3) years and no cases were reported among infants. Male preponderance was seen 35 cases (56%). Maximum number of deaths occurred during evening times i.e., 30 cases (48.39%).In the present study, maximum number of victims were from social class II i.e., 38 cases and least among social class I with only 1 case. Out of 62 cases, 37 cases (60%) were intentional deaths (1 case (3%) is homicidal and 36 cases (97%) were suicidal )and 25 cases (40%)were unintentional deaths. In the present study out of 36 suicidal cases, Hanging was the most preferred method used to commit suicide with 26 cases (42%), followed by burns and drowning with 1 (8%) case each. Out 62 cases, only 12 (19%) cases were treated before death and remaining 50 (81%) were not treated prior to death.
CONCLUSION: This study indicates that there is an immense responsibility for the parents and caregivers in supervising their children.The public health burden of all unnatural deaths needs to be estimated to provide a rational basis for policy decisions to implement necessary interventions. © 2021, Institute of Medico-Legal Publications. All rights reserved.
Language: en |