Spatial-temporal patterns and trends of homicide in socioeconomically deprived settings: violence surveillance in Alagoas, Brazil, 2006‒2015

Abstract

Background Homicide rates in the state of Alagoas (Brazil) have been high for a long time over the last decade. In this study, we quantified the violence rates and mapping the cities in higher risk for homicide. Method: A surveillance of homicide rates over ten years in the state of Alagoas, located in North-Eastern of Brazil was carried out through spatial-temporal analysis. First, the male/female ratio was calculated later the top violent cities and the relative risk for males and females were mapped. Results A total of 19,560 homicides were investigated in two large regions of the state called Metro Region and Inner Cities. A pattern of violence by homicide involving mostly men throughout all state was observed and highest rates for the metropolitan region of the state capital. Homicide has been spreading from the capital to other inner cities, and distinct pattern was observed when mapping the risk according to sex. Conclusions Homicide has remained as a serious local problem in the state over ten years, and our results suggest that inner areas in the state have experienced an increase of homicide rates, requiring strong investment in combat and prevention.