Περίληψη:
In order to assess the potential benefit in human lives if all
geographical regions in the US (Northeast, South, Midwest, and West)
achieved the lowest suicide and homicide rates observed within these
regions, age-, race- and gender-adjusted suicide and homicide rates for
each of the four regions were calculated based on data retrieved using
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention database for 1999-2004.
Data on known risk factors were retrieved from online sources. Overall
suicide rates (10.42 per 100,000) exceeded homicide rates (6.97 per
100,000). Almost 27% (12,942 lives per year) of the 288,222 suicide and
homicide deaths during the study period might have been avoided if all
US regions achieved the mortality rate reported by the Northeast. A
firearm was used in 55% of all suicides and 66% of all homicides. In
the total estimate of avoidable deaths, firearm suicides (90%) and
firearm homicides (75%) were overrepresented. The Northeast had the
lowest access to firearms (20%) contrasted to almost double in the
other regions, whereas greater firearms availability was related to
unrestricted firearm legislation. Measures to restrict firearms
availability should be highly prioritized in the public health agenda in
order to achieve an impressive benefit in human lives. (C) 2008 Elsevier
Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Συγγραφείς:
Papadopoulos, Fotios C.
Skalkidou, Alkistis
Sergentanis,
Theodoros N.
Kyllekidis, Spyros
Ekselius, Lisa
Petridou,
Eleni Th.
