Citation

Silva CJ, Moura AC, Paiva PC, Ferreira RC, Silvestrini RA, Vargas AM, de Paula LP, Naves MD, Ferreira EF. PLoS One 2015; 10(8): e0134577.

Affiliation

Department of Oral Public Health, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Public Library of Science)

DOI

10.1371/journal.pone.0134577

PMID

26274320

PMCID

PMC4537271

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to analyze the spatial pattern of cases of maxillofacial injuries caused by interpersonal violence, based on the location of the victim's residence, and to investigate the existence of conditions of socio-spatial vulnerability in these areas. This is a cross-sectional study, using the data of victims attended in three emergency hospitals in Belo Horizonte-Brazil between January 2008 and December 2010. Based on the process of spatial signature, the socio-spatial condition of the victims was identified according to data from census tracts. The spatial distribution trends of the addresses of victims were analyzed using Kernel maps and Ripley's K function. Multicriteria analysis was used to analyze the territorial insertion of victims, using a combination of variables to obtain the degree of socio-spatial vulnerability. The residences of the victims were distributed in an aggregated manner in urban areas, with a confidence level of 99%. The highest densities were found in areas of unfavorable socioeconomic conditions and, to a lesser extent, areas with worse residential and neighborhood infrastructure. Spatial clusters of households formed in slums with a significant level of socio-spatial vulnerability. Explanations of the living conditions in segregated urban areas and analysis of the concentration of more vulnerable populations should be a priority in the development of public health and safety policies.

Language: en