Comparative Analysis of Violent Deaths in American Indians and Alaska Natives

Overall & gender-specific mortality rates due to violent deaths were computed for 1973-88. Results indicate that overall & gender-specific rates for American Indians & Alaska natives have been decreasing on average per year: suicide 2.7%. Similarly, age-adjusted rates have been declining, & at faster rates than those of the US general population: suicide, 2.5% versus 0.6%. However, the male-female ratio for homicides & other accidents is unchanged, & the ratio for suicide has been increasing.