A Psychological Autopsy Study of Suicidal Hanging from Cuttack, India: Focus on Stressful Life Situations

Abstract

Factors and stressful life situations associated with suicidal hanging in a sample from India were studied with a view to explore preventability. Information was collected on consecutive suicidal hanging victims in a 2-year period from various sources including family members through psychological autopsy method. Out of 662 autopsies involving suicide during the study period, 104 had used hanging as the method. Age group of 21–30 years, married females, unmarried males, dowry related stress, unemployment, prolonged illness, failure in examinations, relationship and financial problems were associated more frequently with suicidal hanging. Stresses stemming from social practices and perceptions are linked with considerable number of suicidal hanging, which suggest priority areas for intervention.

Keywords:

• developing country
• hanging
• life events
• societal stresses
• suicide

The study was supported in part by Quality of Life Research and Development Foundation. The authors thank Dr. J. Thirthalli, NIMHANS, Bangalore and Dr. S.P. Singh, Wolverhampton PCT, for their suggestions.

Notes

Figures in percentages; ^#p < 0.05; ∗p < 0.001.

∗p < 0.001; ^#p < 0.01; OR: Odds ratio; ^arisk estimate for cohort with the stress.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Binaya K. Bastia

Binaya Kumar Bastia, MD, Associate Professor, Forensic Medicine, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Sattur, Dharwad, Karnataka, India.

Nilamadhab Kar

Nilamadhab Kar, MD, DPM, DNB, MRCPsych, Consultant Psychiatrist, Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust, Corner House Resource Centre, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom.