Characterization of Violent Deaths in Cienfuegos, 2012

Abstract

Background: it’s necessary to know in depth all the factors that influence, favor, predispose and trigger the occurrence of violent acts leading to death. In this sense, the epidemiological characterization of violent death can lead to better performance of professionals and institutions responsible for addressing it.Objective: to characterize the occurrence of violent deaths in the province of Cienfuegos. Methods: a retrospective descriptive study was conducted from January to December 2012, involving 144 subjects who died as a result of violent death by suicide, accident or homicide. The variables analyzed were: age, sex, origin, place of occurrence, primary cause of death and medicolegal etiology of death. Results: violent deaths occurred more frequently in men (76.3 %) and the most affected age group was over 6O years. The most frequent medicolegal etiology was accidental death. Violent acts occurred mainly in public places (49.3%). Hanging and different types of traffic accidents (running over, collision, swerve and overturn) were the most common causes of violent death. Conclusion: it is concluded that in 2012 most violent deaths in Cienfuegos took place in public places due to accidental causes, although suicide by hanging accounted for a considerable proportion.

Keywords

• muerte
• violencia
• accidentes de tránsito
• suicidio
• homicidio
• cuba