Demographic and autopsy characteristics of drowning deaths in a major autopsy center of Gandaki province of Nepal

Abstract

Background: Autopsy examination is mandatory in all unnatural deaths as per law of Nepal and thus all deaths due to drowning are undergone medico legal autopsy. This study aims to analyze the demographic and autopsy characteristics of drowning deaths in cases brought for medico legal autopsy at a major autopsy center of Gandaki province of Nepal. Methods: This study was conducted based on review of database in a period of two years among 53 corpses of drowning related deaths. The demographic data and relevant information from the inquest and autopsy report of such cases were collected and presented. Result: The commonest age group involved in drowning deaths was <20 years, attributing to 22 (41.5%) cases, and with males (41, 77.4%) more common than females. Suicidal drowning (34, 64.2%) was the commonest manner. Maximum (19, 35.8%) deaths occurred in the rainy season and on lakes (34, 64.1%). Conclusion: Drowning deaths were more common among males of young age groups. Most of the drownings occurred during the rainy season, lakes were the common sites of drowning, and the commonest manner was suicidal.