FREQUENCY OF SELF INFLICTED INJURIES IN MEDICO-LEGAL CASES AND ITS DISTRIBUTION AMONGST MALES AND FEMALES OF DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS

Abstract

Objectives: This is a one-year study to find the frequency and pattern of self-inflicted injuries found on scrutiny of the record of medico-legal cases conducted during 01-01-2016 to 31-12-2016. Methodology: Out of a total of 3143 medico-legal cases conducted during the period of study, all the cases that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected. These were 77 cases where injury was caused by the victim himself. Analysis of these cases was made with respect to age, gender, type of injury, site of injury, nature of injury, number of injuries and employment status of the person. Results: Cases of self-inflicted injuries constituted 2.45 % of all the medico-legal cases conducted during 2016 at Mayo Hospital, Lahore. The incidence of incised wounds was highest being 29% while corrosive burns constituted 27%, firearm injuries constituted 21%, flame burns 19%, lacerated wounds 2.6% and bruises 1.3%. Victims were primarily in the 11-30 year age group (80.52%) with a male to female ratio of 2.67:1.

Conclusion: Self-inflicted injuries are mostly incised wounds caused by sharp edged weapons. The most recurring site of injury is the forearm. Males are more commonly reported to be involved in such cases. Nature of injuries is predominantly non-suicidal. The usual pattern is a single injury in the low-income category males. However, among the life-threatening injuries, females outnumber males.