Sociodemographic Profile of Burns Case for Autopsy: One Year Study

Abstract

Background: Burns constitute a major cause of deaths, both suicidal & accidental in the world & our country.
As per the National crime record bureau of India, burns one among the common method of suicide and the rate
of fatal suicidal burns was 2.6% in 2021. In Tamil Nadu, the rate of suicide is 11.5%, and also, being the second
highest among the other states.(1) This study is undertaken with the aim to study sociodemographic profile of
burns case brought to autopsy at tertiary medical college, along with the pattern & outcome.
Methods: A cross sectional study was done in a total of 53 cases of burns brought for medicolegal autopsy during
the study period. Data including age, gender, socioeconomic status, manner of burns , % of burns, duration of
survival were all collected based on pre structured proforma & further was analysed using standard statistical
method.
Results and Conclusion: Burns incidence is seen in mostly age group 31-40, with majority of them being
females(62.27%).suicidal burns are more common (73.59%), with >75%(66.03% ) burns being more. About 35.8%
survived for 1-7 days prior to succumbing death.
Enhancing a better mental& physical environment should be the priority. Early & effective treatment can be useful
in reducing the mortality due to burns.