Non-firearm-related homicide, New Mexico, 2001-3.
OBJECTIVE
New Mexico (NM) has the highest rate of non-firearm-related homicide in the USA and ranks 20th in firearm-related homicides. Because non-firearm-related homicides are inadequately described in the literature, characterisation of non-firearm-related homicide victims will enhance efforts to reduce homicides.


METHODS
Homicide victims were identified through the Office of the Medical Investigator. Age-specific and age-adjusted homicide death rates were calculated for 2001-3 by sex and race/ethnicity, and associations between covariates and non-firearm-related homicide were measured.


RESULTS
Non-firearm-related homicides comprised 33% of US homicide victims, 47% of NM homicide victims, and 74% of NM American Indian (AI) homicide victims. Of 212 NM non-firearm-related homicide victims, 37% had been beaten, 32% had been stabbed, and 12% had been strangled. Females comprised 30% of non-firearm-related homicide victims and 18% of firearm-related homicide victims. A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) >or=0.08 mg/dl was detected among 43% of non-firearm-related (61% of AI) and 33% of firearm-related (50% of AI) homicide victims. Non-firearm-related homicide rates were highest among AI men aged 25-34 years (31/100,000). Non-firearm-related homicide victims were more likely than firearm-related victims to be AI (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.20; 95% CI 2.16 to 8.16) and female (AOR 2.05; 95% CI 1.27 to 3.31), and to have had a BAC >or=0.08 mg/dl (AOR 1.65; 95% CI 1.08 to 2.52).


CONCLUSIONS
Homicide-prevention efforts among AIs in NM should focus on non-firearm-related homicides. The association between excessive drinking and non-firearm-related homicide should be further characterised. Continued surveillance for non-firearm-related homicides will assist these efforts.
Kazerouni
N Neely
NN
Epidemiology and Response Division, New Mexico Department of Health, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87502-6110, USA.
Shah
N
N
Lathrop
S
S
Landen
M G
MG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000431:Ethanol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005389:Firearms; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006708:Homicide / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009516:New Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D012621:Seasons; D017678:Sex Distribution; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000208:ethnology / Q000401:mortality; D055815:Young Adult
D000431:Ethanol