Abstract

India is currently the fastest growing economy in the world. A fast-paced life also caters to the stress and strain, especially in metro cities. Hanging was noted as the preferred method of suicide in almost all countries in Eastern Europe and South Asia. Aims: To study prevalence and pattern of hanging in Western Maharashtra. Settings and Design: Retrospective cross-section study. Methods and Material: This retrospective cross-section study was carried out at Tertiary Care Hospital, Western Maharashtra from 1st Sept 2019 to 30th Sept 2023. Data was collected retrospectively and analysed statistically. Statistical analysis used: Microsoft Excel version 2013 Results: During the study period, 810 post-mortems were conducted, out of which 138 cases (17.04%) were hanging. Highest number i.e., 40.58% of cases reported within the age group of 21- 30 out of which 74.74% were males with a Male: Female ratio of 3:1. Males of 21 to 30 years showing the highest number of cases (36.89%). 67.39% were Urban population and 32.61% of cases were from rural. 47.83% of them were Typical Hanging where knot mark was present over the occiput, while 29.71% of cases were of Atypical Hanging, 100% suicidal with 01 case only of hyoid bone fracture. Conclusions: This study reflects the alarming data of the vulnerable age and gender, the method of hanging adapted, and the geography involved.

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