Study of pattern of unnatural deaths in women of reproductive age group

Reproductive age is an important crucial period and a marker for human development and any imbalance can affect the health of next generation, social and economic development and thereby the society. Indian women have high mortality rate particularly in childhood and reproductive age the causes of which are usually natural. But unnatural causes have increased in recent times with factors affecting being relationship between spouse and family, status in society, health, education and financial independence. The aim of present study is to study the pattern of unnatural deaths in women of reproductive age and to analyse the probable reasons and the socio etiological factors involved.

The study period was 16 months from September 2010 to December 2011, among autopsy cases of women aged 15 to 44 years.

Unnatural death cases in reproductive age group constituted 17% of which maximum numbers of cases were seen in women between the ages 20–24 years. The manner of death being suicide and hanging, poisoning and road traffic accident were the most common causes of death. Married women constituted maximum number of which 33.65% cases were within 7 years of marriage. Women belonging to grade III socio economic status constituted 57% cases of which maximum were housewives.

Unnatural death in women of reproductive age constituted significant number of which age 20 to 24 years were vulnerable. Suicide constituted majority of the cases. Married women with marital disharmony followed by love affair, physical illness and dowry death were common reasons.