Citation

Ramesh C, Ananda K, Tondare D. Indian J. Forensic Med. Toxicol. 2014; 8(2): 16.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, All-India Institute of Medical Sciences. Deptartment of Forensic Medicine)

DOI

10.5958/0973-9130.2014.00673.2

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Unnatural deaths are the leading killer of today's younger generation, as the patterns have changed from infections towards social etiologies during the last decades. This particular section of the society is very much vulnerable due to tough competition in every field. There is limited data on young people mortality particularly from developing countries, which is much needed for designing schemes directing towards healthy development and preventing unnatural deaths. Descriptive study of unnatural deaths of young people of the age group 13-21 years was conducted for 2 years from June 2009 to May 2011. Total 114 (14.2%) cases of unnatural deaths were autopsied of this age group. 20 (17.5%) were in the age group of 13-15 years, 33 (30%) 16-18 years and 61(53.5%) 19-21 years. 55 (48.2%) were males and 59 (51.8%) were females. Maximum victims were from social class III i.e., 51 cases. 91(79.8%) were intentional and 23 (20.2%) were unintentional. Hanging is preferred method used to commit suicide with 68 (76.4%) out of 89 suicidal cases, followed by 10 (11.2%) of poisoning, 7 (7.9%) of burns and 4 (4.5%) of fall from height. Major cause for suicide was Insanity/Mental illness 28 cases (31.5%), 25 (28.1%) were due to family problems. Out of 23 unintentional deaths 18 (78.3%) were due to road traffic accidents. Majority deaths occurred among the age group of 18 to 21 yrs as this age group is facing more psychological stress related problems. Female outnumbered male due to lack of support from family and society. Road traffic accidents are major cause for unintentional deaths among young males.

Language: en