Descriptive epidemiology of medicolegal cases investigated in a small town: one year study

ABSTRACT

An epidemiological study was conducted on all medicolegal cases referred to the Forensic Center of Mecca area during a one year period. During this period there was 136 dead cases, 17 living cases, 7 referrals of body remains and 23 cases of evidence examination. The study showed that, the age incidence of the majority of cases was above 50 years. It showed also that, homicidal tendencies [fire arm, stab wounds and handing] were the main prevalent attitudes among males. The suicidal tendencies prevailed among females. The study showed also that, the autopsy rate was low representing only 11.76% of total deaths. The study attributed this low incidence to the type of deaths, the Islamic beliefs and the lack of specialized complementary services. It is recommended that, histochemistry of tissues should be used in postmortem examination of dead bodies