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Published:
Jun 4, 2004Keywords:
Violent death Port Harcourt suicides homicides accidents
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Violent deaths in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Accidental, homicidal and suicidal deaths together form a category of deaths referred to as violent deaths. There is a need to for adequate characterization of these deaths, particularly for control measures.
Method: A retrospective study of violent deaths in Port Harcourt, Nigeria 1995 - 1999.
Results: Five hundred and seventy seven cases were analysed during the period, which makes up 72% of all medicolegal autopsies. Accidental deaths accounted for 63% of violent deaths, homicidal deaths 35.2% and suicidal deaths 1.6%. The majority of the victims (37.2%) were aged 39 years or less. Motorcycle accidents formed the commonest cause of vehicular accidents in Port Harcourt given (55%)
Conclusion: The commonest method of homicidal death is by firearms and the commonest method of suicide is by hanging.
Key Words: Violent death, Port Harcourt, suicides, homicides, accidents
Nigerian Journal of Surgical Research Vol.5(1&2) 2003: 124-128
Method: A retrospective study of violent deaths in Port Harcourt, Nigeria 1995 - 1999.
Results: Five hundred and seventy seven cases were analysed during the period, which makes up 72% of all medicolegal autopsies. Accidental deaths accounted for 63% of violent deaths, homicidal deaths 35.2% and suicidal deaths 1.6%. The majority of the victims (37.2%) were aged 39 years or less. Motorcycle accidents formed the commonest cause of vehicular accidents in Port Harcourt given (55%)
Conclusion: The commonest method of homicidal death is by firearms and the commonest method of suicide is by hanging.
Key Words: Violent death, Port Harcourt, suicides, homicides, accidents
Nigerian Journal of Surgical Research Vol.5(1&2) 2003: 124-128
