Suicidal pattern of cases brought to mortuary of a tertiary care centre

Background: Suicide is preventable but it’s often on a low priority for governments and policy-makers. Patna has seen magnificent past but degrading social circumstances led to decrease in public health and disease burden. Objective: To evaluate the pattern of different suicidal factors for understanding burden of problem & preventive measures Methods: this prospective study was conducted during one year duration from 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2010 on 149 autopsies in Patna. Results: 81.21 % of all cases fall in age range of 15 to 59 years, maximum death occurred between 15 to 29 years (34%). Men outnumbered women. Illness, family disturbances, depression and mental trauma after violence accounted for more than half of the cases. Unemployment and stressful private jobs have shown positive correlation with development of suicidal tendency. 73% were married. Educational status had inverse relation with falling victim to suicidal intent. Drowning, self immolation, Hanging and poisoning accounted for majority (52%) of suicidal methods. Conclusion: Young age victims constituted dominant group which also is the most productive group. Causes of suicidal intention are multifactorial which is preventable. Most suicides are associated with lower literacy level. Choice of how to die depended on the most available and most convenient means at hand.