Socio – Demographic & Medico – Legal Profile Among the Victims of Acute Fatal Asphyxia Cases at S.M.S Medical College, Jaipur

Abstract

Background: Asphyxia is typically relevant in a forensic setting when it involves mechanical asphyxia. Thereare various means in which mechanical asphyxia is carried out like pressure over the neck in form of hanging,ligature/ manual strangulation, mugging, garrotting, and, some other forms as smothering, suffocation, chokingetc.Aims & objective: Assessment of socio – demographic profile& medico – legal profile among the victims of acute fatalasphyxia cases at S.M.S hospital, Jaipur.Material & methodology: a cross-sectional descriptive observational prospective study that used inclusion and exclusioncriteria was conducted. 160 (4.90%) autopsies were of these acute asphyxia fatalities (n=3261) were taken in the study.Thepresent study had been conducted in the Mortuary, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, S.M.S Hospital, Jaipurduring the period from June 2018 to October 2019.Result & observation: The majority of 63 cases (39.37%) were found to be between the ages of 21 and 30. 109 cases(68.13%) were predominantly male. 142 cases (88.75%) were literate & 18 cases (11.25%) were illiterate. Students made upthe majority of fatalities with 44 cases (27.5%), followed by homemakers with 41 cases (25.6%). Hanging was responsiblein majority of cases (85%). Suicidal manner was present in majority of cases (86.87%).Conclusion: Majority of victims was of productive age group of society and most of them were students andhouse makers. The main causes are high expectations, an unhealthy and stressful lifestyle, and less tolerantbehaviour in families and social groups. Justice, compassion, educational initiatives, and individual, communal,and societal approaches are required to reduce these cases.