Victim's profile analysis reveals homicide affinity for minorities and the youth.

BACKGROUND: In this study we have examined the risk of death by homicide in Miami-Dade County and Broward County (BC); and examined the association between socioeconomic status and homicide while describing victim's typical characteristics such as age, gender, race/ethnicity, and type of injury. METHODS: Data was collected from the County's Medical Examiner's Offices, Census Bureau, and Federal Bureau of Investigation between 2004 and 2007. RESULTS: There has been an increase in the risk of dying by homicide in the studied area; the homicide rate for the selected period was two times higher than the national average. Although Black Non-Hispanics count for 19% of the population of Miami-Dade County and 23% in Broward County, 56% and 53% of homicide victims are among this ethnic group in Miami-Dade County and Broward County respectively. Hispanics were more at risk of being a victim of homicide in 2007 than they were in 2004. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial proportion of the homicide victims were 22 years of age or younger. . In fact, the homicide victims' average age has been steadily decreasing in recent years. The drastic increase in the risk of death by gunshot among young Black non-Hispanic and Hispanic residents warrants cause for concern.

Congestive heart failure admissions: factors related to hospital length of stay.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is an illness that affects millions of Americans each year; the cost associated with treatment and care is extensive. This study was based on a total of 480 patients admitted to the Mercy Hospital in Miami, Florida, during 2005. Average length of stay was significantly different based upon type of health insurance, race/ethnicity, marital status, admission source, attending physician specialty, discharge disposition, number of consultations while admitted, surgical procedure, and illness severity. The study results provide hospital executives with vital information for clinical and administrative CHF-related admissions management.