PROFILE OF DROWNING DEATHS AMONG MEDICOLEGAL AUTOPSIES CONDUCTED AT KADAPA, ANDHRA PRADESH: A 2-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: Drowning kills at least 372,000 people every year and is the 3rd leading cause of unintentional deaths. In addition to the human tragedy, drowning represents a huge economic problem with direct and indirect costs, including many Disability-Adjusted Life Years lost. In India, very little is known about the epidemiology of drowning. Objectives: The objective of the study was to study the incidence, manner, and epidemiology of deaths due to drowning in and around Kadapa region. Methods: The present study was conducted from January 2021 to December 2022 in Government Medical College, Kadapa on 154 cases to study the various epidemiological parameters of drowning. Results: In the study period, 1246 cases of postmortem examination were done, of which 154 cases were of drowning related deaths. A maximum number of cases were seen in the age group of 21–30 years with males 70.77% dominating the study population. 50.64% of deaths were accidental in nature and occurred during the rainy season. The most common place of occurrence of drowning was river 57.14% followed by wells 14.28%. Soddening of hands and feet was the most common external feature of drowning followed by the presence of froth at mouth and nostril. Conclusion: Drowning is a most ignored public hazard worldwide with serious implications for the society. Public awareness regarding safety measures and drowning prevention strategies suitable to the needs of geographical region should be adapted.