Racial and ethnic patterns in firearms deaths

摘要: In the United States, there is currently an epidemic of firearms violence. Among victims this violence, are striking racial and ethnic patterns in manners circumstances death. This study was conducted to explore quantitate some these differences. Autopsy investigation reports 554 consecutive deaths Dallas County, Texas, from March 1992 February 1993 were reviewed. Overall suicide rates by race for 1970 1990 calculated. Suicide blacks have increased while overall (all races) decreased slightly. Large differences homicide-suicide ratio (H:S) found (0.42 non-Hispanic whites; 7.44 others) (p < 0.001). Non-Hispanic whites who committed with a firearm less likely than other groups do so another person present (12% 49% Blacks Asians killed 67% witnessed cases (those during incident). Whites (Hispanics non-Hispanics) only 12% suicides. The data suggest that subtypes, psychodynamics, causes may differ among groups. These should be considered order formulate adequate prevention strategies assess homicide risk depressed individuals. difficulty accurate death certification also discussed.