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A One-year Retrospective Study on the Pattern of Death Found at Autopsy at Forensic Pathology Department, Menelik II Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Solano, E E; Mayedo, Y O & Seyoumk, M
Abstract
Background: The main objectives of this study were to determine the magnitude, manner
and modalities of natural and unnatural deaths among deaths brought to the Forensic
Pathology Department. Menelik II Hospital, for post mortem examination and secondary
to find the remedial measures that may have influence on the incidence of preventable
deaths.
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Forensic Pathology
at Menelik II Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. From January 1st, 2014 to December 31st,
2014.
The Study material was collected from Forensic Pathology Department of Menelik II
Hospital, postmortem reports. A total of 4206 cases of deaths were done postmortem
examination during the one-year study period. All these cases were grouped according to
age, gender, manners and modalities of natural and unnatural deaths. The data collected
was analyzed.
Results: Out of total 4206 cases, the male to female ratio 3:1. The age group most
commonly involved was 16-30 years (41,5%) followed by 31-55 years (38,3%). Only 7.8%
were in the under 15years age group. The commonest mode of death in all age groups put
together was accident in 1615 (38.4%) followed by natural death in 1156 (27.5%),
homicidal deaths accounted for 698 (16.6%) followed by suicide in 508 (12%). In 229 (5.4%)
of the cases the manner of death remained undetermined. Among 698 homicidal deaths,
blunt weapon injury accounted for 61.4% and bullet injury were in 15.4%. Among the
accidental deaths, road traffic injuries were 1092 (67.6%), followed by fall accident in 170
(10.5%). Hanging was the preferred modality of suicide (88.4%), followed by poisoning 51
(10%). Natural death accounted for 1190 (27.5%) and cardiac disease was the most
predominant 453 (38%), followed by respiratory disease 240 (20.2%).
Conclusion: Our study concludes that unnatural deaths exceeded enormously the natural
deaths. Accident was the most dominant manner of death among the unnatural deaths.
Road Traffic Accident was the commonest modality among accidental deaths. Fatalities
caused by blunt weapon injuries were the commonest mode of homicide; whereas
hanging was the preferred modality of suicide. Cardiovascular diseases were the leading
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