RESUMO
The descriptive epidemiology of violence in the United States is presented. The reasons for the high homicide rates are explored by describing the historical development of violence in Colombia, a developing country with very high homicide rates, and in the United States, which has extraordinarily high homicide rates in comparison with other highly industrialized countries. The historical factors in the United States that contribute to the high violence rates include the genocide of the Indian population, the slave system, and the increasing militarization of the country's economy, ideology, and governmental policy. It is clear that "the United States is a high-violence environment," that it is indeed a violent society.
Assuntos
Homicídio/estatística & dados numéricos , Meio Social , Violência/estatística & dados numéricos , Causas de Morte , Colômbia/epidemiologia , Crime/estatística & dados numéricos , Etnicidade/estatística & dados numéricos , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Estados Unidos/epidemiologiaRESUMO
The health status of Cuba is described in comparison with Costa Rica and, in some instances, the United States. Recommendations are made for epidemiologic studies and for specific health policies to lower death rates from diarrhea and enteritis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and injuries. Rapid expansion of training and research in epidemiology and biostatistics is emphasized, and specific goals for health outcomes for the year 2000 are suggested.