The Socio-Demographic Distribution among Victims of Hanging Cases Brought to Diphu Medical College & Hospital, Diphu for Medico-Legal Autopsy: A Retrospective Analysis

Hanging is a form of mechanical asphyxia which is caused by suspension of the body by a ligature which encircles the neck, the constricting force being the weight of the body. Most hangings produce gradual, subtle and painless death. If done correctly, it is highly lethal. Since time immemorial, hanging has been practiced as a method of suicide. It is a significant public health concern. Understanding various socio-demographic factors that are related with hanging is essential for curbing this issue. A one year retrospective (record based) cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Diphu Medical College & Hospital, Diphu for a period of one calendar year from 1st January 2022 to 31st December 2022 on all the cases of death due to suicidal hanging brought for medico legal autopsy. During this period, 65 cases out of 355 medico-legal autopsies conducted were death due to hanging.