PATTERN OF SUICIDAL DEATHS IN FEMALES OF SOUTH GUJARAT REGION

Abstract

Background: Pattern of suicidal deaths is a reflection of the prevailing social set up and mental health status of the region. Many cultural and socio-economic factors of a country are responsible for the causation of such deaths in females. Suicidal deaths happen almost everywhere in the world.

Objective: The current study was conducted with an objective to find out the causes of suicidal deaths in females and the various reasons associated with them.

Methodology: The present study is hospital based cross-sectional study in which 138 autopsy cases of suicidal deaths in females were taken out of total 1983 autopsies conducted in the mortuary of Government Medical College and New Civil Hospital, Surat (South Gujarat) during the period from May 2009 to April 2010.

Results: The most common cause of death in majority of the deaths was poisoning (35.51%) followed by hanging (31.16%) and burns (27.54%) while common motive behind them was mental stress due to unknown reasons (51.45%). Conclusions: Most of the causes are preventable The result of this study indicates that, by not only a strong legal support network but also opportunities for economic independency, essential education and awareness, alternative accommodation and a change in attitude and mindset of society, judiciary, legislature, executive, men and the most importantly woman herself can lower or prevents the such suicidal deaths.