Homicide death in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 2005

Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot. 2008 Dec;15(4):243-52. doi: 10.1080/17457300802292439.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Aged
  • Cause of Death
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Homicide / prevention & control*
  • Homicide / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Distribution
  • Social Problems
  • Tanzania / epidemiology