Citation

Insinga R, Her C, Schwamman J. WMJ Wis. Med. J. 2001; 100(2): 32-4, 31.

Affiliation

University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Preventive Medicine, WARF Building, Room 753, 610 Walnut St, Madison, WI 53705-2397, USA. rpinsinga@students.wisc.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Wisconsin Medical Society)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11419367

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore homicide trends for Wisconsin over the period 1985-1998 and assess the state's progress towards meeting its year 2000 health objectives. METHODS: Wisconsin and US homicide data from the Centers for Disease Control's Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) were analyzed for the period 1985-1998. RESULTS: Homicide rates in Wisconsin rose 54% between 1985 and 1995, but since that year, a sharp reverse in trends since has erased three-fourths of the increase. While Wisconsin rates for 1998 remain 15% above their 1985 levels, US rates peaked in 1991 and have since fallen to 12% below their 1985 levels. When compared to 1985, Wisconsin homicide rates for 1998 were 24% lower among whites, but 16% higher among blacks. CONCLUSIONS: Wisconsin failed to achieve its year 2000 objective for homicide reductions, with rates remaining over 80% above the state goal. Though Wisconsin's current homicide rate is nearly half the US average, recent reductions in Wisconsin homicide have lagged behind those observed nationally.

Language: en