A prospective study on the magnitude, pattern and cause of female deaths due to burn injuries

Deaths due to burn injuries assume even more importance when they involve females as they are more exposed to pyrogenic incidents compared to males, due to the length of time they devote to the kitchen and household chores. A woman may also be compelled to end her life at the altar of dowry by self-immolation, interpersonal and other domestic violence. To know the magnitude, pattern and cause of such deaths, we conducted an autopsy based study including a newer technique the 4^th incision or the cosmetic incision, on 242 cases of female deaths due to burn injuries in the Mortuary of Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Gauhati Medical College & Hospital, Guwahati during the year 2014. Our studies revealed that majority of the females were Hindus (66.9%), highest in the age group 21–30 years (42.1%). Majority of the victims were married (74%), housewives (57.8%) and belonged to rural area (73.9%). Alleged accidental nature of burn injuries (81.8%) from kerosene lamp (41.7%), topped the list. Death following shock was the most common (53%). Based on the outcome from this study, preventive measures can be formulated for better management of the cases.