Study of Unnatural Deaths in Females in Garhwal Region of Uttrakhand

Abstract

Death is unnatural when caused prematurely against the order of the nature by injury or other means of violence. There is a noticeable increase in unnatural deaths of females in recent times. The aim of this study was to find out demographical factors, cause and manner of death in unnatural female deaths. A total number of 100 cases of unnatural deaths in female were studied during study period. 68% of unnatural deaths were seen in 15–30 years age group. Married women were about 3.5 times more prone to unnatural deaths then unmarried. The ratio of accidental, suicidal and homicidal deaths among females was 11: 6: 3. The commonest cause of unnatural deaths was burns (49%) followed by accidents (17%), poisoning (14%), asphyxia (12%) and violence (7%) respectively. 44% of unnatural deaths occurred within 7 year of marriage out of which 21 were accidental while 23 were suicidal and homicidal deaths. These 23 cases were established cases of dowry deaths. This study reflects susceptibility of married women to unnatural deaths. So, there is a need to enhance the multi-pronged protective system to curb these potentially preventable deaths.