Epidemiological Study of Unnatural Death in Elderly in Varanasi (India)

Introduction Aging process is inevitable, irreversible, progressive once it starts, always associated with physical and biological decline. In present study we consider geriatric age (elderly) 60 years. Aim of the study To determines the epidemiological features and highlight outcome of geriatric unnatural deaths in Varanasi area. Material& method The present retrospective study has been conducted for the period of 5 consecutive years i. e.2009 to 2013 based on autopsy record of the unnatural death cases among elderly deaths. During study period total numbers of unnatural death cases were 10195 and deaths among elderly were 1310. These cases were brought to the Department of Forensic Medicine, IMS, BHU, Varanasi and have been analyzed retrospectively. Result geriatrics autopsy 12.85 % of total unnatural deaths. In present study we consider geriatric age (elderly) 60 years. Male to female ratio were 3.681. Most of the deaths were accidentals i. e.626 cases (17.79 %). Road traffic accidents 567 cases 43.28 % were more common. Rural habitat outnumbers 73.89 % urban habitat only 4.81 %. Hindu outnumbers 76.03 %, Muslim 2.52 %. Summer season 480 (36.64 %), rainy season 422 (32.21 %) and in winter season 408 (31.15 %). Conclusion Analysis of data for retrospective study suggests that prevalence, age, gender, manner of death, cause of death, habitat, religion and seasonal variations significantly affect community.