Correlation between Age with Manner and Cause of Unnatural deaths in Reproductive Age Group Females: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study

Background- The phenomenon of unnatural mortality among women is infrequently accentuated; however, it constitutes a significant public health metric for both the community and society at large. The reproductive age cohort serves as a crucial indicator of human development, and any discrepancies within this demographic can adversely influence the overarching social and economic advancement, as well as the health of subsequent generations, thereby impacting society as a whole. Material and Methods- This ongoing evaluation was executed within the confines of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, situated in Ranchi, Jharkhand, throughout the timeframe extending from April 2021 to March 2022 (encompassing a total of twelve months). Throughout this timeframe, a grand total of 3840 autopsies took place. Among these, 225 cases corresponded to females within the reproductive age demographic, in accordance with the predetermined selection criteria established for the study. Conclusion- The greatest percentage of cases, standing at 24%, was noted in the 15-19 years age bracket, next in line was the 20-24 years group with 23.55%, and the 40-44 years group at 14.67%, with accidents being the chief cause of fatalities. In the demographic range of 15 to 19 years, the predominant reason for fatalities was linked to burns, while in the 20 to 24 years age bracket, hanging surfaced as the main factor of death. The predominant manner of death was accidental (59.1%), trailed by suicidal (28.9%) and homicidal (8%) fatalities. Unnatural deaths among women of reproductive age constituted 5.86% of the aggregate cases subjected to autopsy during the study period, with burns (predominantly accidental), road traffic incidents, and suicidal hanging identified as the most prevalent causes of death. It is essential to formulate extensive preventive plans using a grassroots strategy, beginning from the core levels of the healthcare infrastructure, to boost the physical, mental, and social welfare of this significant population within the community.