Sociodemographic Characteristics of Homicides in Puerto Rico: 1990-1999

Raul Figueroa, University of Puerto Rico

Homicide is a problem that affects all the countries of the world. However, there are some countries in which this problem is a very serious threat. Countries like Colombia, with homicides rates of 64.6 in 1996, Estonia 28.2 in 1994 and Brazil 19.0 in 1993 have homicides levels among the greatest in the world (Statistical Abstract of the United States, 2001). Homicide is becoming a major public health problem in Puerto Rico. In 1994, Puerto Rico had a homicide rate of 27.95, higher than Brazil and very close to Estonia. The higher homicide rate in Puerto Rico was reported in 1994 and it was higher than the rates from other Latin-American countries like Mexico and Argentina (Statistical Abstract of the United States, 2001). Because homicide did not act like other causes of death and diseases, it is very difficult to understand the driving forces that make them happened. There are some particular characteristics that make homicide very different from the causes of death that predominates in the child and elderly groups. The greatest impact of homicide is in the economic productive, and sexually active group (15 - 29 years old). Many years of productive life are lost within this very important age group, because it is essential for the economy of the country and the support of the aging population. The main objective of this work was to examine the socio-demographic factors related to homicide in Puerto Rico during 1990 to 1999. Homicides rates increased 74.4% in the island from 1990 to 1994. After 1995, it has been observed a decreased 24.0% in this rate. Over half of the homicides occurred in adolescents and young adults (15 to 29 years old); the great majority of the victims where male. This event occurs mainly to never married people. Almost fifty percent of the deaths occurred in municipalities with higher population density (5,000 habitants per mile square). The victims showed similar percents of homicide for those unemployed and those in blue collard occupations. In spite the latest decreasing patterns of homicides in Puerto Rico, this event shows levels that should concern health professionals.