Epidemiological analysis of drowning deaths: A 10 year Study

Drowning is a significant global problem which causes a huge number of deaths worldwide. The aim of this study is to analysedifferent epidemiological factors and explore the effect of such factors on mortality due to drowning deaths. There were 152 cases of drowning deaths during a ten-yearperiod at UMMC, Kuala Lumpur, consisting of 125 male and 27 female victims. The largest numbers of victims, (46%) were found in theage group of 20 to 34 years. Malays comprised the maximum proportion of victims (28.3%). Approximately 61.8% of victims came from the unemployed group. A majority of victims were single (52.6%). Accidental falls (38.2%) were the commonly occurring incidents that lead to drowning death and most of drowning deaths(39.5%) occurred in the river. Accidental drowning deaths (71%)were the commonest. Majority (90.1%) of the victims died at the place of drowning. 10.5% of the deceased were testedpositive for alcohol, while 19.7% were confirmed as drug abusers. Decomposition changes on the body were found in 52% cases. Externally, frothy or blood stained discharge at mouth and nostrils and "washer-women" appearance on hands and feet were the commonpostmortem findings; while internally, congestion and oedema of the lungsand presence of foreign bodies (FB) in airway, were the common findings.