Sociodemographic and Medicolegal Profile of Suicidal Hanging Death: A Retrospective Study at Tertiary Care Hospital, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Hanging is one of the most common method of suicide in worldwide and constitutes a major medico-legal problem in Bangladesh. Detailed evaluation of the socio-demographic characteristics and autopsy findings is essential for understanding the epidemiological pattern of suicidal hanging and for improving preventive strategies. Objectives: To determine the socio-demographic profile and medico-legal characteristics of suicidal hanging deaths brought to the Rajshahi Medical College Morgue. Material and Method: This retrospective descriptive study was conducted between July 2023 to June 2025 in the department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at Rajshahi Medical College. Information was obtained from police inquest reports, autopsy registers, postmortem reports and hospital data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented as frequency and percentage. Results: During the two-year study period, 95 suicidal hanging deaths were examined. Males constituted 67.4% and females 32.6%. The highest proportion (48.4%) belonged to the 21-30 years age group. Most victims were unmarried (54.7%), from rural areas (65.3%) and housewives represented the largest occupational group (26.3%). Hanging incidents occurred predominantly between 6.00 pm and 6.00 am (50.5%). Rope was the most frequently used ligature material (52.6%), followed by orna (21.1%). The ligature mark was located above the thyroid cartilage in 84.2% of cases, with the knot most commonly positioned on the left side of the neck (63.2%). Slip knot were identified in 65.3% of victims. Conclusion: Young adult, males, unmarried individuals, and rural residents were disproportionately affected by suicidal hanging. The characteristics autopsy findings observed in this study are consistent with classical features of suicidal hanging and provide valuable evidence for medico-legal diagnosis. Strengthening mental health services, community awareness and early psychosocial intervention may help reduce suicide-related mortality in Bangladesh.