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Published on: January 22, 2016
Analysis of Methamphetamine-Related Deaths: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
1Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, Turkey.
Introduction:
Methamphetamine use and related mortality have increased worldwide, yet forensic data from Turkey remain limited.
Methods:
This retrospective cross-sectional autopsy study investigated the demographic, toxicological and medicolegal characteristics of methamphetamine-related deaths in Zonguldak, Turkey, between 2015 and 2025. Among the 1863 forensic autopsies, 30 cases with analytically confirmed methamphetamine positivity were included.
Results:
The mean age was 33.4 ± 8.7 years and 90.0% of the cases were male. The highest annual proportion of forensic autopsies with methamphetamine detected was observed in 2023. Accidental death was the most common manner of death and methamphetamine toxicity was the leading cause of death. All natural deaths were attributed to cardiovascular disease. Polydrug use was present in 56.7% of the cases.
Discussion And Conclusions:
Our findings indicate that methamphetamine-related deaths in Turkey share demographic and forensic characteristics with international reports and underscore the growing medicolegal and public health burden associated with stimulant use.
Insights
Methamphetamine-related deaths are rising globally. In Turkey, this study found most fatalities were accidental, primarily due to methamphetamine toxicity, with a significant male demographic and high rates of polydrug use.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Public Health
- Medicolegal Science
Background:
- Global increase in methamphetamine use and mortality.
- Limited existing forensic data from Turkey.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate demographic, toxicological, and medicolegal aspects of methamphetamine deaths in Turkey.
- Provide crucial data to inform public health strategies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cross-sectional autopsy study.
- Analysis of 30 confirmed methamphetamine-positive cases from 2015-2025.
- Examination of demographic, toxicological, and medicolegal findings.
Main Results:
- Average age of 33.4 years, with 90% male cases.
- Peak detection in 2023, with accidental death and methamphetamine toxicity as leading causes.
- Cardiovascular disease as the cause for natural deaths; polydrug use in 56.7% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Methamphetamine deaths in Turkey align with international trends.
- Highlights the increasing medicolegal and public health challenges posed by stimulant use.
- Emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and further research.
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