Analysis of Homicide Mortality in Recife, State of Pernambuco, Brazil: Trends from 1997 to 2006

Objective: this study analyzed the magnitude and trend of homicide mortality in Recife, State of Pernambuco, Brazil, from 1997 to 2006. Methodology: data from the Mortality Information System of Recife's Health Secretariat were used; a time series exploratory ecological model was created to analyze trends in mortality ratios; those coefficients were assessed according to gender and age, using the exponential model. Results: during that period, there were 9,850 homicides of Recife residents; approximately 67% of those killed were in the age group of 15 to 29 years; there was a difference in risk of mortality by gender and age group - young men were associated with increased risk of homicide, compared to women - the overall mortality rate went down about 7%, but that decline showed statistical significance only in men with 30 years or more. Conclusion: specific actions should be taken to benefit mainly adolescents and young adults, since there has been a high rate of homicide among that portion of the population living in the city.