Sociodemographic Study Of Hanging Victims In Coastal Districts Of Odisha

Hanging has been a common method of capital punishment since medieval times, and is the official execution method in numerous countries and regions. Hanging is the most reliable method of suicide in which a person applies a ligature to the neck that leads to unconsciousness and then death by suspension. In all societies including developed or developing countries, hanging is considered as a medical and psychological problem with severe economic and social consequences not only to them, but also to their family and society in general. Death due to hanging (65.9%) was found to be the most commonly observed mechanical asphyxia. Maximum number of hanging cases were from rural areas (61.15%). Male victims outnumbered those of female by ratio 1.12:1. In the age group 21-30 years, maximum number of hanging deaths were seen. 55.37% of victims were married. Maximum numbers of hanging cases (38.84%) were seen during summer season (March-June). Only few cases are associated with disease (0.057%) and pregnancy (0.049%). Present prospective study was conducted at the mortuary of SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha over 2 years from January 2008 to March 2010. The aim of the study is to study the demographic profile and incidence of hanging death in coastal district of Odisha.