A Brief Account on Socio-demographic Profile of the Victims of Violent Asphyxial Deaths in Dhaka City

Elias B. Akber; Sohel Mahmud; Mushtaq Ahmad; Ashim K. Barua; Israt Jahan

Elias B. Akber Associate Professor 8 Head, Department of Forensic Medicine, Army Medical College Cumilla, Cumilla Cantonment, Bangladesh
Sohel Mahmud Associate Professor 8 Head, Department of Forensic Medicine, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Mitford, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Mushtaq Ahmad Professor 8 Head, Department of Forensic Medicine, Armed Forces Medical College, Dhaka Cantonment, Bangladesh
Ashim K. Barua Professor, Vice-Principal 8 Head, Department of Forensic Medicine 8 Toxicology, Chattogram Ma O Shishu Medical College, Agrabad, Chattogram, Bangladesh
Israt Jahan Senior Lecturer, Department of Forensic Medicine, Army Medical College Cumilla, Cumilla Cantonment, Bangladesh

Keywords: Violent asphyxial death, Hanging, Strangulation, Drowning, Autopsy.

Abstract

Background: Violent asphyxial deaths are often dealt with during autopsy, and its magnitude is mentionable nowadays. Objective: To determine the frequency of cases of violent asphyxial death along with the determination of the socio-demographic variety of the victims. Study Design: It is a cross-sectional type of descriptive study. Place of Study: Department of Forensic Medicine of Sir Salimullah Medical College, Mitford, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Duration: The study was conducted from January 01, 2017, to December 31, 2019. Materials and Methods: A proforma was prepared where various data were tabulated, compiled and analyzed. Results: 1060 cases of violent asphyxial death were encountered out of 9410 medico-legal autopsies. Male (68.67%) predominance was evident. The age group of 20-29 years (44.15%) was principally affected. Maximum victims were from urban areas (61.03%). Victims were mainly married (56.6%) and unemployed (26.6%). The Muslim (81.32%) victims were mostly seen and lower class people (58.2%) were the prime victims. Hanging (65.84%) and drowning (27.64%) were chiefly encountered. Conclusion: The study reflects the magnitude of violent asphyxial death and a brief picture of the socio-demographic profile of the victims.