Risk Factors for Infant Homicide in the United States Mary D. Overpeck, Ruth A. Brenner, Ann C. Trumble, Lara B. Trifiletti, Heinz W. Berendes Abstract Background.
Homicide is the leading cause of infant deaths due to injury.
More than 80 percent of infant homicides are considered to be fatal child abuse. This study assessed the timing of deaths and risk factors for infant homicide. Using linked birth and death certificates for all births in the U.S. between 1983 and 1991, we identified 2776 homicides occurring during the first year of life. Birth-certificate variables were reviewed in both bivariate and multivariate stratified analyses. Variables potentially predictive of homicide were selected on the basis of increased relative risks among subcategories with adequate numbers for stable estimates.