RESUMO
Objectives: This study was conducted to analyze the trends in suicidal pattern with regard to socio-demographic profile and methods of suicides evolved over the past decade to develop and target future prevention efforts
Study Design: Retrospective study
Settings: This study was carried out at the Autopsy Section of Forensic Medicine Department, Quaid e Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan
Duration: Ten years i.e. 1st January 2008 to 31st December 2017
Methodology: To observe changes in trends, the study was divided in to two groups. One group covered autopsies from 1st January 2008 to 31st December 2012 [32 in nos.], while the other covered the period from 1st January 2013 to 31st December 2017[34 in nos.] The study comprised of the cases in which police papers revealed the history of suicidal death and socio-demographic profile of the deceased was noted. After thorough autopsy examination, appropriate sampling was done [where needed], method of suicidal death was framed after perusal of the autopsy findings and reports from Punjab Forensic Science Agency Lahore
Results: Mean age of the cases was 32.50+/-10.54 years [2008-2012] and 29.62+/-12.99 [2013-2017]. 21 [65.6 percent] males and 11[34.4 percent] females during 2008-2012 were studied while 12 [35.3 percent] females and 22 [64.7 percent] males were examined during 2013-2017 period. Stratification with regard to age group, socio-economic status, settlement area and method of suicide was carried out
Conclusion: In conclusion, present study identified various changes in socio-demographic profile and methods of suicide. Keeping these changes into consideration, future planning to apply restrictions to this menace should be sought