IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-6-3-10284 Original Research Paper Epidemiological study of cases of hanging in Kamrup region, Assam state, India Borah Dr. March 2017 6 3 01 02 ABSTRACT

 Suicidal hanging still remains one of the commonest methods of committing suicide. Suicidal hanging is common whereas homicidal and accidental hangings are rare. This is an autopsy based study conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Gauhati Medical College in the year 2014–2015 to ascertain the epidemiology of hanging. A total number of 2964 autopsies were carried out, of which 379 cases were associated with hanging. The incidence represented 12.70% of the total medico legal autopsies conducted during the study period. The male female ratio was recorded as 2.32:1.The most common age group involved in the incident of suicides was 20–29 years followed by 40–49 years group. Maximum number of cases occurred among the married 224 (59.1%) followed by unmarried 148 (39.05%). Majority of the cases (37.20%) belongs to urban locality, followed by cases belonging to semi–urban (31.13%) and rural (30.08%) population. Maximum incidences took place at indoor 271 (77.57%). Majority of the victims were daily students 70 (18.46%) which was followed by victims involved in daily business 66 (17.41%). 108 (28.50%) victims used to take alcohol as chief habit forming substance. 64 (16.89%) victims used to take tobacco as their chief habit forming substance. About 55.67% of the victims belonged to lower socioeconomic status. It was seen that 194 (51.19%) victims had unknown reasons for committing suicide followed by family problems in 60 (15.83%). Majority of the recorded victims were found literate 277 (73.09%).