Deaths following drowning in Sri Lanka : a retrospective study
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Date
2020
Authors
Paranitharan, P.
Perera, W. N. S.
Lakmal, S.
Priyanath, D. C.
Senanayake, T. A. A. W.
Kumari, M. K. J. K.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
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.
Description
Keywords
Drowning , Accidental Deaths , Contributory factors
Citation
Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine, Science & Law December 2020 Vol. 11, No. 2, P. 1 - 8