Changing Trends in Suicidal Deaths over the Past Decade – An Autopsy Based Study at Bahawalpur

Talha Naeem Cheema; Altaf Pervez Qasim; Ummara Munir; Faisal Naeem Cheema

doi:10.29054/apmc/2018.136

Talha Naeem Cheema Assistant Professor of Forensic Medicine Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur
Altaf Pervez Qasim Professor / HOD Forensic Medicine Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad
Ummara Munir Assistant Professor, Forensic Medicine Sheikh Zayed Medical College, Rahim Yar Khan
Faisal Naeem Cheema Medical Officer, BHU Chak Loharan, Tehsil Ahmadpur East, District Bahawalpur

DOI: https://doi.org/10.29054/apmc/2018.136

Keywords: Trends, Methods of Suicide, Autopsy, Time Period, Socio-demographic profile

Abstract

Objectives: This study was conducted to analyze the trends in suicidal pattern with regard to socio-demographic profile and methods of suicides evolved over the past decade to develop and target future prevention efforts. Study Design: Retrospective study. Settings: This study was carried out at the Autopsy Section of Forensic Medicine Department, Quaid e Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan Duration: Ten years i.e. 1^st January 2008 to 31^st December 2017. Methodology: To observe changes in trends, the study was divided in to two groups. One group covered autopsies from 1^st January 2008 to 31^st December 2012 (32 in nos.), while the other covered the period from 1^st January 2013 to 31^st December 2017(34 in nos.) The study comprised of the cases in which police papers revealed the history of suicidal death and socio-demographic profile of the deceased was noted. After thorough autopsy examination, appropriate sampling was done (where needed), method of suicidal death was framed after perusal of the autopsy findings and reports from Punjab Forensic Science Agency Lahore. Results: Mean age of the cases was 32.50±10.54 years (2008-2012) and 29.62±12.99 (2013-2017). 21 (65.6%) males and 11(34.4%) females during 2008-2012 were studied while 12 (35.3%) females and 22 (64.7%) males were examined during 2013-2017 period. Stratification with regard to age group, socio-economic status, settlement area and method of suicide was carried out. Conclusion: In conclusion, present study identified various changes in socio-demographic profile and methods of suicide. Keeping these changes into consideration, future planning to apply restrictions to this menace should be sought.