Comparing Homicidal Ideations with Homicides/Assaults Victimization among Various Racial/Ethnic Groups in the United States

Abstract

Introduction: Multiple and diverse contributors of homicidal ideation and homicidal/assault victimization exist. Although multiple studies have been conducted to examine the homicidal victimization, there is dearth in the literature regarding homicidal ideation. Therefore, we undertook this study to investigate and compare perpetrators of homicide to victims of homicide or assault, based on race and ethnicity. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of inpatient hospitalizations in the US from January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2017 using Nationwide Inpatient Sample data. We estimated the risk of homicidal ideation and homicidal/assault victims among various racial/ethnic groups using survey logistic regression models, while adjusting for patient demographic and hospitalization characteristics. R and RStudio were utilized to conduct all statistical analyses and Joinpoint Regression Program for conducting temporal trends analyses. Results: During the study duration 2010-2017, there were 358,687 (0.12%) hospitalizations related to homicidal ideation. In 2017, the rate of homicidal/assault victimization related hospitalizations were 0.20%. After adjusting for covariates, Non-Hispanic (NH)-Blacks had an increased likelihood (Odds Ratio (OR): 1.41, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.17-1.69) to have homicidal ideations and to be victims of assault and homicide (OR: 2.38, 95% CI: 2.06-2.75) compared to NH-Whites. Conclusions and Implication for Translation: Our study shows that significant racial/ethnic disparities exist for homicidal ideation and being victims of homicide and assault in the US during the study period. Targeted mental and behavioral health intervention towards NH-Black community could help prevent them from becoming perpetrators and victims of homicide.