Maxillofacial Injuries as Markers of Interpersonal Violence in Belo Horizonte-Brazil: Analysis of the Socio-Spatial Vulnerability of the Location of Victim's Residences.
The aim of the present study was to analyze the spatial pattern of cases of maxillofacial injuries caused by interpersonal violence, based on the location of the victim's residence, and to investigate the existence of conditions of socio-spatial vulnerability in these areas. This is a cross-sectional study, using the data of victims attended in three emergency hospitals in Belo Horizonte-Brazil between January 2008 and December 2010. Based on the process of spatial signature, the socio-spatial condition of the victims was identified according to data from census tracts. The spatial distribution trends of the addresses of victims were analyzed using Kernel maps and Ripley's K function. Multicriteria analysis was used to analyze the territorial insertion of victims, using a combination of variables to obtain the degree of socio-spatial vulnerability. The residences of the victims were distributed in an aggregated manner in urban areas, with a confidence level of 99%. The highest densities were found in areas of unfavorable socioeconomic conditions and, to a lesser extent, areas with worse residential and neighborhood infrastructure. Spatial clusters of households formed in slums with a significant level of socio-spatial vulnerability. Explanations of the living conditions in segregated urban areas and analysis of the concentration of more vulnerable populations should be a priority in the development of public health and safety policies.
Department of Dentistry, Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Carlos José de Paula
CJ
Silva
Laboratory of Geographic Information System, School of Architecture, Federal University of Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Ana Clara Mourão
AC
Moura
Department of Dentistry, Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Paula Cristina Pelli
PC
Paiva
Department of Oral Public Health, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Raquel Conceição
RC
Ferreira
Department of Spatial Statistics and Geostatistics, University of Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Rafaella Almeida
RA
Silvestrini
Department of Oral Public Health, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Andréa Maria Duarte
AM
Vargas
Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Liliam Pacheco Pinto
LP
de Paula
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Marcelo Drummond
MD
Naves
Department of Oral Public Health, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Efigênia
E
Ferreira e Ferreira
D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008446:Maxillofacial Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D062206:Spatial Analysis; D014505:Urban Population; D014754:Violence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data