Pattern and Causes of Death in Medicolegal Autopsies – A Descriptive Study from Dhaka Medical College Mortuary

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Medicolegal deaths, often sudden or unnatural, are examined through autopsies to determine cause, manner, and circumstances. Young adult males are most affected, with road accidents, homicide, and suicide common. This study reviews such deaths at Dhaka Medical College Mortuary from January to October 2023 to inform legal and public health planning. Methods & Materials: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Dhaka Medical College Mortuary from January to October 2023, including all 135 medicolegal deaths. Data on demographics, cause of death, and residence were extracted from mortuary registers and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Ethical approval and anonymization ensured confidentiality, and charts were used to illustrate key findings. Results: Among 135 medicolegal autopsies, 88 (65.2%) were male and 47 (34.8%) females. Ages ranged from 0 days to 80 years, with a mean of 31.8 ± 16.2 years; most cases were in the 21–40-year age group. Leading causes of death were road traffic accidents, poisoning, burns, hanging, and unexplained sudden deaths. Young adult males were most affected, highlighting risks from accidents, violence, and self-harm, and emphasizing the need for traffic safety, mental health support, and strengthened forensic investigations. Conclusion: Between January and October 2023, most medicolegal autopsies at DMC involved unnatural deaths, predominantly among young adult males. Leading causes were road traffic accidents, poisoning, and hanging, reflecting environmental risks and psychosocial stressors. These findings highlight the need for stronger road safety measures, toxic substance regulation, expanded mental health services, and improved mortuary data systems to support prevention and public health planning.