Analysis of risk factors of dowry death--a south Indian study.

Dowry deaths in the newly married brides are a burning problem of southern India. The objective of the current study was to identify the risk groups. This prospective study was carried out on 140 cases. Results revealed that majority of the victims (83%) were young aged between 18 and 26 years, childless (65.7%) and mostly died within 4 years of marriage (77.2%). About 80% of the victims were illiterates (53%), house wives of rural background (62.9%) and from middle socio-economic group (81%). Husband alone or along with in laws (75%) and joint family (85%) were mainly responsible for death. The common causes of death implicated are hanging, burning and poisoning. Mostly the place of occurrence was in-laws house. Suicidal deaths accounted in 57% and the rest being homicide. At the end some potential risk factors and their remedial measures suggested.