Factors Related to Deaths Due to Suicides in Females Aged 12-24 Years
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37506/mlu.v21i1.2345Keywords:
Suicides, females, adolescents, method of suicide, socio-economic factors.Abstract
Background: Suicide is a global health problem occurring in all parts of the world. It was the second
leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds in 2016. Hence, an understanding of specific factors related
to suicide would enable prevention strategies to be more sensitive.
Method: A cross sectional study was conducted in Department of Forensic Medicine, Gandhi Medical
College, Secunderabad, which included all cases of suicidal deaths in females in the age group of 12-24
years in the period of January 2017 to November 2018.
Results: Majority cases belonged to the age group of 19-24 years (49%). Many victims were from rural area
(60%), belonging to middle socioeconomic status (57%) and unmarried (80%). Majority of the victims were
graduates i.e. 32% and 55% of them were students. The leading motive behind the suicides was emotional
disturbances (21%). Hanging is the most commonly adopted method to commit suicide i.e. 53% of deaths.
Conclusions: Most of the factors related to suicide are preventable. Suicides among the young can be
prevented by starting student guidance clinics and should also incorporate woman specific strategies like
providing education, economic security and empowerment of women.
