Study on Hanging with Brief Discussion upon Ambiguity in Method of Choice and Gender Differences for Completed...

Background Hanging is one of the common forms of violent mechanical asphyxial deaths. When compared to other forms of unnatural death all over the world this method stands on top as death is instantaneous. Death due to hanging is always suicidal until and unless otherwise specified. Objective To explore the socio-demographic characteristics in cases of death due to completed hanging in Nepal. Method This prospective study of death due to hanging was conducted during the period of July 2011 to July 2013. Meticulous autopsy of the body was done in all cases with bloodless dissection of the neck was carried out. Result During the study period medico legal autopsy of 91 cases of death due to hanging was conducted, out of which 57 (63%) were males and 34 (37%) were females. Majority of the deceased were suspended at their own house or peri-domestic settings. Based upon the circumstantial evidences 95.61% (n=87) cases attributed to suicide in nature. Conclusion Hanging undoubtedly is one of the most preferred methods to commit suicide, popular for its lethality. Lack of suicide surveillance system and national data bank in Nepal has resulted into equivocal findings. More studies should be encouraged based upon autopsy findings to get a clear picture on mortality rates.