Contemporary homicide risks among women of reproductive age.
BACKGROUND
Homicide is a leading cause of death among women of reproductive age. However, little is known about how risk for homicide differs among women from different racial and ethnic groups.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to identify the risk of homicide mortality among Hispanic, Black and White females of reproductive age in the United States, and to describe differences between these groups.


METHODS
A secondary data analysis of deaths certificates collected in the United States from 1999 to 2002 was conducted using descriptive statistics, chi(2) analysis, and logistic regressions.


RESULTS
When controlled for education level, marital status, and year, the adjusted odds ratio for homicide mortality among Hispanics (2.6) and Blacks (2.1) were significantly greater than for Whites (1.0). Victim and homicide characteristics also differed across these groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Minority women are disproportionately at risk for homicide mortality. Homicide prevention programs and policies need to be developed to target the specific risks and unique characteristics of high risk groups in the United States.
Gonzalez-Guarda
Rosa M
RM
School of Nursing & Health Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33124-3850, USA. rosagonzalez@miami.edu
Luke
Barbara
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018585:Battered Women / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D044383:Black People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003644:Death Certificates; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006708:Homicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016387:Women's Health; D055815:Young Adult; D001741:Black or African American