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Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Alcohol Use and Its Role in Female Homicides in the Western Cape, South Africa
J. Stud. Alcohol Drugs 70: 321-327, 2009


Sixty-two percent of women who were murdered had a high BAC at the time of their death, with an overall median BAC of .11% (110 mg/100 ml). A quantile regression analysis showed that a raised median BAC at the time of death was positively associated with the victim's age; being unemployed or not known to be employed; and being killed in a rural setting, in a public space, and on a weekend.

Significant interactions between type of homicide and employment showed a modification in median BACs for unemployed victims killed by intimate partners compared with employed victims, with a median difference of .19% (190 mg/100 ml) (95% confidence interval: .14%-.23% [140-230 mg/100 ml]).

This study highlights the public health impact of excessive alcohol consumption and the need for a comprehensive approach to reduce the harmful effects of drinking


Request Reprint E-Mail: shanaaz.mathews@mrc.ac.za


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