Homicide death in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 2005

Abstract

Violence disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries. Deeper understanding is needed in areas where little research has occurred. The objectives of the study were to: (a) ascertain rate of homicide death; (b) describe the victims and circumstances surrounding their deaths in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in 2005. This study was developed by adapting the WHO/CDC Injury Surveillance Guidelines (Holder et al., 2001). Data on 12 variables were collected on all homicide deaths. Descriptive statistics and hypothesis tests were done when appropriate. Age standardised, age-specific and cause-specific mortality rates are presented. The overall homicide rate was 12.57 (males and females respectively: 22.26 and 2.64). Homicide deaths were 93.4% male, mostly unemployed, with a mean age of 28.2 years. Most deaths occurred in urban areas. Mob violence was the cause of 57% of deaths. The risk of homicide death for males was greater than the world average, but for females it was less. Most homicides were committed by community members policing against thieves.

Cut throat injuries at a university teaching hospital in northwestern Tanzania: a review of 98 cases

“…The psychiatrist provides adequate care and supervision during and after surgical treatment [9,11,14,15]. However, in most developing countries such as Tanzania, late presentation to health facilities coupled with lack of advanced pre-hospital and ineffective ambulance system for transportation of patients to hospital care contributes significantly to increasing morbidity and mortality [9,16,17]. …”

Implementation of WHO/CDC Guidelines for Intentional Injury Death Surveillance

“…Frequency distributions, means, standard deviations, proportions, and ratios were selected as appropriate for each variable. Data on the identified bodies have been reported elsewhere (Outwater et al, 2008). For this research note, data were analyzed focusing on the adults who were buried by the city (Unknowns).…”

“…Briefly, quantitatively, the DSM homicide surveillance of 2005 found that the age adjusted homicide rate was 12.57 per 100,000 population (males and females, 22.26 and 2.65, respectively; Outwater et al, 2008). The gender gap was 14:1.…”

“…The gender gap was 14:1. Most homicide victims were male youth, killed through mob violence (57%), in which a large group (dozens to hundreds) of people, using multiple weapons, in concert kills one or two individuals (Outwater et al, 2008). Others died from assault.…”

“…A noted limitation was the lack of data about victims whose bodies were never claimed (Outwater et al, 2008). In total, about 200 unclaimed bodies, labeled Unknowns were buried by the DSM City Council; almost all were unidentified (see Table 1).…”