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http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/21943
Title: | Deaths following drowning in Sri Lanka - a retrospective study |
Authors: | Paranitharan, P. Perera, W.N.S. Lakmal, S. Priyanath, D.C. Senanayake, T.A.A.W. Kumari, M.K.J.K. |
Keywords: | retrospective study |
Issue Date: | 2020 |
Publisher: | Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine at University of Peradeniya |
Citation: | Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine, Science & Law.2020;11(2);1–8. |
Abstract: | INTRODUCTION: Deaths following drowning are a common occurrence in Sri Lanka. Individuals drown in different circumstances like suicides, accidents and homicides. A study of this nature would be useful for prevention of such incidences and as a baseline for future studies. OBJECTIVES: With regard to victims of drowning to determine; the demographic profile, circumstances, autopsy findings and contributory factors for drowning. METHODOLOGY: Information was extracted from records of 59 drowning cases in the years 2008-2017. Data were analysed using the statistical package SPSS Version 22. RESULTS: Majority of deaths (37.3%) were within the age of 11-30 years. Twenty-six-point five percent (26.5%) of accidental deaths were within the age group 11-20 years. The circumstances were accident (57.6%), suicide (22 %) and not known whether accident or suicide (20.3%). The common places of accidental drowning were sea (20%), Tank (20%) and canal (18 %.) The well was the most common place for suicides (54%). Majority of victims were unemployed (37%) and labourers (25%). Froth in the nostrils (54.2%), Emphysematous expanded lungs (63%), rib indentation on the lungs (61%) froth in the airways (61%) and pulmonary oedema (66%) were observations which were suggestive of drowning. Environmental factors (41%) and alcohol consumption (20%) are among the possible contributory factors. CONCLUSION: Majority of the deaths are accidental. Environmental factors and alcohol consumption may play contributory roles. Awareness programmes targeting young adults will minimize accidental deaths. KEYWORDS: Circumstances, Contributory factors, Deaths, Drowning |
Description: | Not indexed in MEDLINE |
URI: | http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/21943 |
ISSN: | 2465-6089 |
Appears in Collections: | Journal/Magazine Articles |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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Deaths following drowning in Sri Lanka.pdf | 975.1 kB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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