Suicide By Hanging: An Analysis Of 312 Cases

Abstract

Hanging, the commonest method of suicide, is a form of violent asphyxia produced by suspending the body with a ligature round the neck. A total of 312 cases of suicidal hanging autopsied in this five years retrospective descriptive study spanning from January 2000 to December 2004 at Sir Salimullah Medical College (SSMC) morgue. The objective of this study was to evaluate the present situation, pattern of hanging, socio-demographic characteristics of victims and probable cause of suicidal hanging of studied population. Victims' mean( ± SD) age was (23.5 ± 11.7) years and highest number 146 (46.8%) of victims were from the age group 21-30 years. This study revealed that numbers of suicidal hanging cases were increasing day by day in the studied area (46 in 2000 and 82 in 2004). Out of 312 cases, 171 (55%) were female and 141 (45%) were male. Married cases were 165 (53%) and 204 (66%) victims hanged themselves at night. In 165 (53%) victims' stomach were found empty. Most of the cases 309 (99%) were complete hanging and majority 299 (96%) of the bodies were recovered from the living rooms. In two hundred and sixty nine (87%) cases had ligature mark at neck, 132 (43%) cases had fracture of hyoid bone and 45 (15%) victims had the fracture of thyroid cartilages and none of the victims had found spinal cord injury. Maximum number of victims 134 (43%) used ropes as ligature materials. Most common known 70 (23%) cause of self-suspension was quarrel between husband and wife.

KYAMC Journal Vol. 4, No.-1, July 2013, Page 331-336