Victimo-epidemiological profile of violent asphyxial deaths in Manipal, Karnataka

The violent deaths are increasing day by day in the developing world. Deaths due to asphyxia are one of the most important causes in the violent deaths. One hundred and thirty five asphyxial deaths were studied by the authors and described various epidemiological and demographical parameters of these deaths in the present study. The changing demographics and the increased incidence and variations observed are described here. Males outnumbered females in asphyxial deaths. Most common age group involved was 21 – 30 years. Hanging was the most common method of death constituting 56.3% of cases. Majority of the hanging cases took place in homes with suicide being the preferred manner. The victims drowned in river in most number of cases followed by well. The strangulation deaths constituted for 8.8% of total asphyxial fatalities. But not a single case of suffocation was reported.