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Female Suicide Deaths - a Multidimensional Retrospective Analysis
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Background
Suicide is a multidimensional and multifactorial malaise. It is perceived as a social problem in our country. This study was to give a broad picture of all available information about the female suicide death cases dealt in Institute of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Government General Hospital, Chennai.
Objective
The aim was to collect data, make a broad analysis, interpret and arrive at conclusive opinion about female suicide deaths in Chennai.
Methodology
A retrospective analysis of female suicide deaths encountered in Institute of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Government General Hospital, Chennai in the year 2008 was done. This information was collected from the available records.
Results
A total of 43 female suicide deaths were dealt in Institute of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, GGH, Chennai in the year 2008. Among these cases maximum number of them belong to the age group of 21 to 40 years, was married and was unemployed. 25 cases of poisoning was reported which contributed to the maximum. Organophosphorus compounds were the most common poison consumed. Other methods include hanging and burns. Interestingly abdominal pain was reported to be most common reason for committing suicide as per the records available.
Conclusion The cause of death supported by the autopsy findings has been elucidated in all the cases. Further on considering the reason for committing suicide, it is noteworthy to mention that in majority of cases abdominal pain has been the factor behind such acts as the records available. This reason could be a manifestation of psychosomatic illness. Mental disorders occupy a premier position in the matrix of causation of suicide. The object of the study would be more fulfilled if it throws open newer dimensions of studies like psychological autopsy to prevent such deaths in future.
Keywords
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