AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF FORENSIC PATHOLOGY IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTH INDIA: A STUDY OF AUTOPSY TRENDS.

Abstract

Introduction: In India, the role of forensic pathology is particularly crucial due to the country’s diverse population, where socio-economic factors, cultural practices, and access to healthcare services vary widely. The Indian population faces a unique set of challenges in the field of forensic pathology, including delayed medical interventions, limited access to quality healthcare, and an increasing burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Material & Methods: The present study is a retrospective analysis of autopsy cases conducted at a tertiary care hospital. The data for this study was collected from the following sources: Inquest Report (Form 146(i) & (ii)), Autopsy Register, Post-Mortem Reports and Information from Relatives of the Deceased. The collected data was categorized and analyzed based on Manner of Death, Gender Distribution, Age Distribution and Cause of Death. The collected data was entered into a structured format and analysed using SPSS version-21.

Results: The total number of cases is 635, with a higher frequency of cases observed among males (501) compared to females (134). The largest group is in the 21-30 age range, accounting for 22.2% of cases, followed closely by 31-40 at 22.65%. Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) lead the list, accounting for 29.92% of the cases, followed by Hanging at 17% and Poisoning at 14.96%. Other significant causes include Natural Death (15.11%), Drowning (7.08%), and Fall from Height (5.03%). Causes like Assault, Railway Accidents, Burns, and Electrocution contribute smaller percentages, with Snake/Animal Bites being the least common cause at 1.41%.

Conclusion: By examining demographic factors and trends, this research underscores the importance of autopsies in improving public health surveillance, guiding preventive measures, and enhancing medico-legal investigations.