Autopsy-based retrospective study of hanging deaths at hospital center in Central India

AI Summary

Retrospective autopsy study of 39 cases highlights hanging as a common suicide method in India, predominating among males aged 21–30 years.
Most incidents occurred indoors (87.17%), with 59% married, indicating a preference for privacy and familial or social stressors.
Findings underscore need for early psychological intervention and proper crime scene management to strengthen regional suicide prevention efforts.

Bioinformation. 2026 Apr 30;22(4):2296-2299. doi: 10.6026/973206300222296. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Hanging is one of the most common methods of suicide in India, particularly among young adults. Hence, this retrospective autopsy-based study was conducted on 39 cases of death by hanging at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government Medical College, Vidisha, over a two-year period. The majorities of victims were males (62%) and aged 21-30 years (43.58%). A significant proportion were married (59%) and most incidents occurred indoors (87.17%), indicating a preference for privacy. This study advances knowledge by providing regional data on hanging-related suicides, highlighting the role of social, psychological and familial stressors and emphasizing the need for early psychological intervention and proper handling of crime scenes in suicide prevention.

PMID:42282349 | PMC:PMC13252239 | DOI:10.6026/973206300222296

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