Trends of suicidal hanging in western Mumbai region

Abstract

Background: the present study was conducted with aims to determine i) various epidemiological factors of death due to hanging in the western Mumbai region, ii) variation in types of hanging deaths. Methods: It is two-year study conducted at mortuary of H. B. T. Medical College & cooper Hospital, Mumbai for period of January 2015 to December 2016. During study period total 3114 of medico-legal autopsies were conducted, of which 114 (3.6%) autopsies were of death due to hanging. These cases were included in this study. Result: 114 out of 3114 medicolegal autopsies were of death due to hanging making incidence rate 3.6% of hanging. Age group most commonly involved in hanging was 21-30 years constitutes 41.22% cases of hanging deaths. Male victims constitute of 59.64% cases and female victims were 40.36%% cases. In96.5% cases place of hanging was closed place inside room 3.5% cases hangings takes place in open place. Most common ligature material used for hanging was dupatta/odani constitute 46.5% cases followed by rope in 20.17% cases. Conclusion: Young age group population between 21–40 years are more susceptible victims of suicides by hanging constitute 65.78% cases. Proper parental and social guidance and support could prevent suicides in this age group. Timely counselling of such vulnerable group victims could preventable. Effective prevention strategies are needed to promote awareness of prevention of suicides in young age group.