title: Differences in the number of autopsies and causes of death between the months of Ramadan and control months and between two cities, Ankara and Bursa in Turkey.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate differences in the number of autopsies and causes of deaths affected by spiritual factors and concentration during Ramadan and to compare the results from two cities, Ankara and Bursa.
  
  
  METHODS
  Autopsies performed in morgue departments of the Council of Forensic Medicine, Ministry of Justice, in Ankara and Bursa during Ramadan and non-Ramadan (control) months between 2003 and 2006 were retrospectively investigated for age, sex, cause of death, manner of death and blood toxicological analyses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The number of autopsies was significantly higher in Ramadan months than in the control months in Bursa, but low and insignificant in Ankara. A significant decline in traumatic deaths was observed during Ramadan (p less than 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  During Ramadan, while rates of homicidal deaths displayed a relatively steep decline in females, the rates of homicide were increased in males. This might be due to a decrease in natural deaths and accidents. To make further comments, conducting studies evaluating detailed socio-demographic features and assessing relevant psychological states of the victims can be beneficial.
authors.affiliation: Department of Criminalistics, Institute of Forensic Sciences, Ankara University, Cebeci, Ankara, 2Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Uludag University, Gorukle, Bursa, 3Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, 4Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science; Ankara University, Tandogan, Ankara; Turkey.
authors.forename: Nergis
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Canturk
authors.forename: Nursel
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Turkmen
authors.forename: Gurol
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Canturk
authors.forename: Rukiye
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dagalp
mesh_terms: D001344:Autopsy; D002423:Cause of Death; D002947:Cities; D006708:Homicide; D006801:Humans; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014421:Turkey