Epidemiological Profile of Unnatural Female Deaths: A Three-Year Retrospective Autopsy-Based Study from Northeast India

Abstract

Background: Unnatural deaths among women represent a significant public health and medicolegal concern, reflecting the prevailing social, cultural, and healthcare circumstances of a community. Understanding the epidemiological profile and causes of such deaths is essential for formulating preventive strategies and strengthening women's safety. The present study aimed to evaluate the pattern, causes, and demographic characteristics of unnatural female deaths in Sonitpur district, Assam, India.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on all eligible female medicolegal autopsies performed at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Tezpur Medical College and Hospital, over a three-year period from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2022. Data were retrieved from autopsy reports, inquest reports, and police requisition forms. After applying the exclusion criteria, 424 cases were included in the study. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and expressed as frequencies and percentages.

Results: A total of 424 cases of unnatural female deaths were analysed, accounting for 36.61% of all medicolegal autopsies conducted during the study period. Women aged 21–30 years (35.85%) constituted the largest proportion of cases, followed by those aged 31–40 years (32.31%). Hanging was the most common cause of death (40.56%), followed by road traffic accidents (26.42%) and poisoning (15.56%). Suicide was the predominant manner of death, accounting for 63.68% of cases. Married women constituted 77.36% of the study population, with the highest number of deaths occurring among those who had been married for 7–14 years.

Conclusion: Suicide, particularly by hanging, was the leading cause of unnatural female deaths in the present study, with young and middle-aged married women being the most affected. The findings highlight the need for strengthening mental health services, improving injury prevention measures, and implementing region-specific public health interventions aimed at reducing preventable female mortality. Further multicentric studies incorporating psychosocial and socioeconomic variables are recommended to better understand the determinants of unnatural female deaths.