Profile of Alleged Suicidal Deaths Autopsied at Belgaum Institute of Medical Sciences, Belagavi: A Cross Sectional Study

• Main Author: V, Hari Prasad
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01-01-2016
• Subjects: Firearms; Medicine; Mortality; Poisoning; Public health; Womens health
• ISBN: 9798380272797

Suicides are a major public health problem causing significant morbidity and mortality throughout the world. The cause for these increase suicidal deaths may be due to rapid globalization, stressful lifestyle, decreased social sentiments etc. Pattern of suicides in a region depends upon various factors, ranging from previous history & easy availability to the least painful method of death. Belgaum Institute of Medical Sciences is the only Government Medical College of Belagavi district and Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Department at this institute, deals with the medico-legal autopsies averaging 800-900 cases annually. The present cross sectional study is undertaken to determine the burden of mortality with regard to suicides in our region.Background & Objectives:Objectives of the Study:1. To evaluate the prevalence of suicidal deaths in autopsied cases at Belgaum Institute of Medical Sciences, Belagavi.2. To study the pattern of suicidal deaths with respect to socio-demographic, etiological and psychological association.Methods: A Cross Sectional study was conducted on all cases of alleged suicidal deaths autopsied at Belgaum Institute of Medical Sciences(BIMS), Belagavi during a period spread over 13months from 1stDecember 2013 to 31th December 2014 formed the material for the study. Information on various factors such as age, sex, religion, place of incidence, occupation, period of survival, method adopted for suicide, motive behind suicide etc., were noted for each case in a separate Performa.Results:Among 842 cases autopsied during the study period 182(21.62%) cases of alleged suicidal deaths were present. Out of the 182 cases of alleged suicidal deaths, peak occurrence was in the age group of 20- 29 years (42.31%), male predominance was seen (64.29%), most of the victims are rural habitant (56.59%) and involved victims were literates (85.16%). Hindu population was most affected (94.5%) and more cases were reported during winter season (39.56%).Present study showed that Unemployed individuals (19.78%) were the major victims and Hanging (42.31%) was the most preferred method adopted for suicide and Debts/property loss or sudden change in financial status(18.68%) was the most common motive for committing suicide.Conclusion:The younger generation especially males in rural areas are at severe risk of being a victim of suicide. The incidence of suicides being a preventable cause of death, its morbidity and mortality can be reduced by planning and implementation of effective prevention strategies.