[Maxillofacial injuries as markers of urban violence: a comparative analysis between the genders]

Head and Face Injuries in Brazilian Homicide Victims - A Retrospective Study

Introduction:

Violence is a serious problem in view of its magnitude and impact on the health of the population in several countries. The aim of the study was to evaluate the occurrence of head and face injuries among homicide victims in a municipality in the Northeastern region of Brazil.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study carried out at the Police Station for Crimes against Persons of the Civil Police, which evaluated 168 police inquiries of homicide victims notified from January 2015 to December 2018. Variables analyzed were related to the Victim's sociodemographic profile, homicide characteristics and body region involved. Descriptive data analysis and Pearson's Chi-square test (P < 0.05) were performed.

Results:

There was greater involvement of men (92.9%) aged 20–29 years (36.3%), drug users (70.7%) and with a criminal record (65.9%). There was a predominance of simple homicides (92.3%), with greater occurrence on Sundays (16.7%), in the night shift (40.1%), revenge was the main reason for the crime (32%), and firearms as the main means used (89.2%). Regarding the number of body regions affected, victims were more frequently affected in 2 regions (36.5%). Head injuries were identified in 68.3% of victims, while face injuries represented 35.3%. There was an association between the presence of head injuries and number of injuries (P < 0.05).

Discussion:

The prevalence of head and face injuries resulting from homicide was high and victims are predominantly young men, drug users and those with a criminal record. The association was found between the presence of head injuries and number of injuries.

Maxillofacial and dental-related injuries from a Brazilian forensic science institute: Victims and perpetrators characteristics and associated risk factors

Background

Trauma due to external causes represents one of the greatest challenges for public health services in different regions around the world. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of facial trauma, associated risk factors, and classification of body injuries in individuals who underwent forensic examination in a Brazilian center.

Material and Methods

Data were collected at the Ceará State Forensic Medicine unit in a 12-year period. Sociodemographic data related to the etiological agent and lesions resulting from the bodily injury were recorded.

Results

Among 1,031 physical injury exams, physical aggression (p<0.001), male victims aged between 21 and 30 years (p<0.001), salaried workers (p<0.001), and soft tissue and dentoalveolar injuries were significant findings. Regarding aggression, domestic violence was prevalent (p<0.001), perpetrated by the victim's partner (p<0.001), using a blunt instrument during the aggression (p<0.001), and directly associated with soft tissue injury (p<0.001). In traffic accidents, the most common type was motorcycle accident (p<0.001), on weekdays (p=0.036), at nighttime (p=0.134), showing a significant association with bone fractures (p=0.001).

Conclusions

Oral and maxillofacial injuries obtained from a Brazilian forensic science center were significantly associated with sociodemographic and etiological factors. Key words:Forensic dentistry, facial trauma, violence, public health.