A Statistical Analysis on Forensic Autopsies Performed in Korea in 2016

Korean J Leg Med 2018;42:8-21

Forensic Medicine Division, National Forensic Service Gwangju Institute, Jangseong, Korea,

Biomedical Research Institute, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, Korea,

Medical Examiner’s Office, National Forensic Service, Wonju, Korea, 4National Forensic Service, Wonju, Korea

E-mail: pdrdream@gmail.com

A statistical analysis was performed on national forensic autopsy data collected in the Republic of Korea during 2016 to overcome regional limitations and limitations from the number of unusual deaths as reported in the literature over the previous year. A total of 8,335 cases were categorized based on the region, based on requests by the Police Agency and the Coast Guard, gender, age, manner of death, and cause of death. Analysis of the manner of death revealed that 4,028 cases (48.3%) were of unnatural death, 3,447 cases (41.4%) were of natural death, and 860 cases (10.3%) were of unknown death. Among the unnatural deaths, the majority of the manner of deaths (1,584 cases, 39.3%) was accidents, 1,378 cases (34.2%) were suicides, 428 cases (10.6%) were homicides, and 638 cases (15.8%) were undetermined deaths. Among the unnatural deaths, the majority of the cause of deaths (1,518 cases, 37.7%) was due to trauma, followed by 827 cases (20.5%) of poisoning and 732 cases (18.2%) of asphyxia. Falling was the major cause of death by trauma (668 cases, 44.0%). Based on a previous study about asphyxia, strangulation was the major cause, with 569 cases (77.7%). Among the natural deaths, heart disease was the major cause (1,727 cases, 50.1%), followed by vascular disease (587 cases, 17.0%).

Key Words: Autopsy; Cause of death; Statistical data interpretation; Korea