DROWNING PATTERNS IN THE COASTAL REGION OF ODISHA: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate drowning patterns and associated demographic, environmental, and occupational factors in the coastal region of Odisha. Study Design: Retrospective descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: PRM Medical College, Baripada, from March 2025 to February 2026. Methodology: A total of 250 drowning cases were included. Data were collected retrospectively from medico-legal records, hospital records, and autopsy reports using a structured proforma. Variables analyzed included age, gender, residence, occupation, location of drowning, seasonality, circumstances of drowning, and associated risk factors. Results: The mean age of drowning victims was 28.6 ± 16.4 years, with the highest frequency in the 20–39 year age group (38.4%). Males constituted 68.8% of cases. Accidental drowning accounted for 72.4% of incidents, while sea/coastal waters were the most common location of occurrence (36.4%). Monsoon season contributed the highest proportion of cases (41.6%). Swimming inability was identified in 38.0% of cases, lack of protective equipment in 24.4%, and adverse weather in 20.8%. Occupational drowning was significantly associated with fisherman/laborer occupation (p<0.001), while male gender showed a significant association with occupational drowning (p=0.014). Conclusion: Drowning in coastal Odisha demonstrates distinct demographic, environmental, and occupational patterns, with young males, coastal exposure, and monsoon-related vulnerability representing major risk factors.