Research into epidemiological factors for hanging as a method of suicide

Deepak Sharma; Raman Gupta; Monika Sharma; Rikki singal; Manu chaudry; Arika brar

Volume : V, Issue : IX, September - 2016

Research into epidemiological factors for hanging as a method of suicide

Deepak Sharma, Raman Gupta, Monika Sharma, Rikki Singal, Manu Chaudry, Arika Brar

Abstract :

Background: Although it is said that hanging is a form of violent asphyxial death but it produces painless death. All the material needed is present in home, so can be carried out privately in home. So it is a widely used method of suicide. The number of hanging cases has increased every year. It has become a socio–economic problem. Aims and Objective: The aim of this study is to find out epidemiological factors of hanging, its distribution according to age group, sex, ligature material used by victim and observed post–mortem findings to try to identify the causative factors. It is to help in developing preventive measures that are needed to reduce death due to hanging. Material and Methods: A retrospective study of hanging cases reported to mortuary of Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Delhi during the period of January 2011 to December 2012. In the present study 36 cases of death due to hanging were studied. Result : Majority of suicidal hanging are seen in younger and middle age groups. Maximum cases 15 (45.94%) of death due to hanging seen in age group 21–30 years. Males cases of hanging were 24(%) double to hanging cases of females which were 12(%). Ligature material in Majority of cases was a dupatta. Manner of death was suicide in all cases. Cyanosis, marks due dribbling of saliva, congestion, sub conjunctival hemorrhages and petechial hemorrhage in ain were seen in variable number of cases. Dupatta is the ligature material in majority of cases. Conclusion: Hanging as a mean of suicide has become very common, especially in younger age group. Easy procedure and easy availability of material needed for hanging in home makes prevention a difficult process. A comprehensive programme is needed to identify the causative factor and prevention of suicidal hanging. Family members, peer group, relatives and healthcare professionals especially psychiatrists have to play a major role in identifying and prevention of suicidal hangings.