Magnitude of Unnatural Deaths amongst Autopsies Over a Period of 4 Years at a Tertiary Centre Catering to Both Urban and Rural Population

Abstract

Descriptive study of “Magnitude of Unnatural deaths amongst autopsies” was carried out at a tertiary care
centrecatering to urban and rural populationwith aims todetermine cause & manner of unnatural deathsand
to estimate its magnitude according to area and sex.
840 cases (81%) fulfilled criteria,male: female ratio was 2.28:1. In urban & rural areas;vulnerable age group
was 21-30 years (35% &29%) followed by 31-40 years (23% &20%); most cases were hanging (49%&
32%) followed by RTA (27% & 31%) & poisoning (10% & 19%).Suicides (60% & 55%) were more than
accidents (35% & 42%) & homicides (5% & 3%). Hanging was more common in urban, whereas RTA &
poisoning common in rural areas. More percentage females succumbed to hanging & poisoning whereas
more males to RTA, electrocution & fall from height. Males succumbed mostly during 6 am-12 pm (161)
& 8 pm-6 am (157); whereas females succumbed mostly during 6 am-12 pm (74) & 69 cases each in 12-4
pm & 4-8 pm.
This study indicates need of strategies to curb unnatural deathsthrough health education& safety measures,
counseling & treatment of depression; and better roads with signal boards.Unnatural;Cause; Manner of death;Urban;Rural