Keywords
Infant death
adolescent
Autopsy
Suicide
Forensic medicine
How to Cite
Abstract
Objective: Child mortality is an important public health issue that should be examined not only medically but also from a forensic perspective. This study evaluates the causes, origins, and risk factors of child deaths subjected to forensic autopsy and postmortem examination in Karabük province.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 32 cases aged 0–18 years who underwent forensic autopsy or postmortem examination between 2016 and 2022. Demographic data, death origins, causes, and laboratory findings were reviewed.
Results: Of the cases, 62.5% were male and the mean age was 9.1 years. Traumatic events were the leading cause of death (46.9%), mainly traffic accidents. Death origins were accidents (43.7%), natural causes (28.1%), suicides (25.0%), and homicides (6.2%). Suicides occurred mostly in adolescent males, predominantly by hanging. Pulmonary infections were the most common natural causes.
Discussion: Findings align with the literature. Male predominance, seasonal increases during spring and summer, and adolescent suicides are notable. Traffic accidents underline children’s vulnerability in traffic environments. Suicide patterns indicate inadequate family and social support. Although homicide rates were low, the link with domestic violence is significant.
Conclusion: Traffic accidents and suicides are largely preventable. Strengthening preventive health services, implementing family- and school-based awareness programs, and developing early intervention strategies are of critical importance.
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