Abstract

Background: Drowning is a significant cause of mortality worldwide, necessitating comprehensive investigations. This prospective autopsy study aimed to analyze drowning fatalities comprehensively, focusing on demographic, circumstantial, and forensic aspects. Methods: Conducted at GMC Purnea Bihar from Jan to Dec 2023, the study included 100 drowning cases. Approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Data were systematically collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Among 100 cases, males predominated (88%), with individuals aged 11-20 years most affected (46%). Accidental drownings were common (43%), followed by suicidal cases (19%) and undetermined incidents (37%). Postmortem findings included froth from the mouth, washer woman’s hands and feet, and internal petechial hemorrhages. Most incidents occurred in lakes and rivers (92%), with heightened risk during the rainy season. Ethanol positivity was noted in 43% of cases, and males exhibited higher lung weights than females. Conclusion: The study provides insights into drowning incidents, highlighting demographic disparities and seasonal variations. Enhanced preventive measures and awareness campaigns are crucial to mitigate drowning-related fatalities. Addressing identified risk factors is essential for community safety.

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