title: Adolescent homicide victimization in Johannesburg, South Africa: incidence and epidemiological characteristics (2001-2009).
abstract: This study describes the incidence and epidemiological characteristics of adolescent homicides (15-19 years) in Johannesburg, South Africa. A retrospective population-based study was conducted on cases drawn from the National Injury Mortality Surveillance System. A total of 590 adolescent homicides were registered for 2001-2009 corresponding to an average annual homicide rate of 23.4/100,000. The average annual rate was 39.8/100,000 for males and 7.9/100,000 for females. Black and coloured adolescents had the highest homicide rates. There was a considerable decline in the firearm homicide rates over the study period. In contrast, sharp instrument and blunt force homicides increased. Public places were the predominant scenes for male deaths, while female homicides occurred primarily in residential locations. Most male homicides took place over weekend nights. Alcohol was a prominent feature of homicides. The high homicide rates reported in this study underscore the need to develop interventions directed specifically at adolescents. Prevention efforts are required to pay particular attention to black and coloured adolescent males, and to address the availability of weapons and alcohol use among adolescents.
authors.affiliation: a Institute for Social and Health Sciences, University of South Africa , Johannesburg , South Africa.|b Violence, Injury and Peace Research Unit (VIPRU) , Medical Research Council - University of South Africa , Johannesburg , South Africa.
authors.forename: Lu-Anne
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Swart
authors.affiliation: a Institute for Social and Health Sciences, University of South Africa , Johannesburg , South Africa.|b Violence, Injury and Peace Research Unit (VIPRU) , Medical Research Council - University of South Africa , Johannesburg , South Africa.
authors.forename: Mohamed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Seedat
authors.affiliation: c Department of Psychology , University of South Africa , Pretoria , South Africa.
authors.forename: Juan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nel
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D044383:Black People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006708:Homicide / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: South Africa; adolescents; epidemiology; firearms; homicide