Profile of Hanging Cases at Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS), Ballari District, Karnataka, India: Retrospective analysis of cases from 2016 to 2020.

Background: Death by hanging is an important health hazard worldwide and is classified as violent mechanical deaths resulting from asphyxia. Manner of death in hanging is suicide in majority of the cases, accidental hanging is less common and homicidal hanging is still less common.The study was aimed towards analysing socio- demographic pattern, precipitating factors for committing hanging at Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS), Ballari, India Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at the mortuary of Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS), Ballari, Karnataka, India.  During the period from 01 January 2016 to 31 December 2020, 356 cases of alleged history of hanging cases were brought to the mortuary for postmortem examination and the cause of death was attributed to hanging. Data was collected with help of history, inquest report, meticulous postmortem examination etc. Results were obtained after tabulating and data analysed with cross sectional study. Results: Out of the 356 cases of hanging, majority of the cases were in the age group of 31-40 (140 cases i.e., 39.32%). Male preponderance was seen in 235 (66%) cases and most victims were married 199 (56%) cases. In relation to seasonal variation, we noted that, maximum number of suicides by hanging were reported in the month of July to September 141 (39.60%).  Out of 356 hanging cases, 178 (50%) were employed. Pre-disposing factor was Chronic illness in 136 (38.20 %) cases followed by financial stress and psychological problems in 120 (33.70%) and 50 (14.04%) cases, respectively.  Majority of the victims belonged to Hindu religion 290 (82%) cases.  320 (90%) of cases did not have a suicide note. Conclusion: Hanging is difficult to prevent, due many concomitant factors but psychological counselling, economic support and education can reduce the incidence of hanging.