Demographic Trends of Adolescent Suicidal Hanging Deaths in Sylhet

Abstract

Background: The incidence of suicide has emerged as a global health problem, especially in low- and middle-income(LAMI) countries. Hanging is one of the most prevalent forms of suicide worldwide, particularly among adolescents.During conventional autopsies, suicidal hanging was found to be a leading cause among the unnatural deaths in Bangladesh. Methods: An observational study based on retrospective data was conducted to analyses the demographic trendsof suicidal hanging cases in Sylhet. Data on demographic variables were collected from all suicidal hanging casesreferred for medico-legal autopsy from January 2015 to December 2020 at the Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical Collegemortuary in Bangladesh. Results: An increasing trend of hanging was observed among ages between 14 and 19 years (88.4%), with a peakincidence in the late adolescent group (52.1%). Female adolescents outnumbered male victims and accounted for two-thirds of the total deaths (66.3%). Hanging deaths were more prevalent among the adolescents in the geographicalareas of Gowainghat (13.7%) and Airport (13.2%). Conclusion: The high suicide rates highlight the importance of identifying suicide among adolescents as a legitimateconcern in these areas, with an urgent need for preventive intervention.