AN ANALYSIS OF DEATHS IN MALE VICTIMS BY FIREARM – THE FORENSIC MEDICINE DEPARTMENT'S PERSPECTIVE IN TURBAT BALUCHISTAN, PAKISTAN
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Keywords
Firearms; Autopsy; Clinical pattern; Death
Abstract
Introduction: The excessive utilisation of weapons has serious consequences for both victims and their families, as well as the healthcare and judicial systems, which has led to a rise in gun-related deaths, particularly in developing nations.
Objective: To estimate firearm-related deaths in male victims reported to the mortuary of Turbat Teaching Hospital, Baluchistan, Pakistan.
Materials & Methods: A retrospective review of male firearm death cases was conducted out of the total medico-legal post-mortems performed at the mortuary from January to December 2021. Police inquest reports and firearm postmortem data were used to identify the cases. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v.20.0.
Results: Of the 314 autopsy cases, 184 (58.60%) were firearm-related male deaths. Young adults aged 21-30 years (33.70%) and 31-40 years (28.26%) were the most frequently affected age groups. The head and neck were the main targets (38.59%) followed by the chest (25%). The majority of the cases were from rural areas (77.17%), and the summer season (May to August) accounted for the highest number of cases (53.26%).
Conclusions: Young males in rural areas were more prone to firearm injuries, with the head and neck being the main target areas. The highest number of cases were reported during the summer season. These findings can help experts implement preventive strategies such as counselling, improved education, and legislation to address this public health concern.
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Dr Rabia Khan
Assistant Professor/HOD, Department of Forensic Medicine, KMU Institute of Medical Sciences, Kohat, Pakistan
Dr Anwar Ali
Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Muhammad College of Medicine, Pakistan
Dr Shahida Naveed
Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Rahman Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan
Dr Tariq Ali
Assistant Professor, Mekran Medical College Turbat, Pakistan
Dr Attaullah
Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Mekran Medical College Turbat, Pakistan
Dr Hazar Khan Bugti
Assistant Professor, Pharmacology Department, Mekran Medical College, Turbat, Pakistan
Dr Ijaz Aziz
Associate Professor, Mekran Medical College, Turbat Baluchistan, Pakistan