Social determinants and their interference in homicide rates in a city in northeastern Brazil.

Objective: This paper aims to analyze the possible relationship between social determinants and homicide mortality in Fortaleza (CE), Brazil.

Method: To investigate whether the rate of mortality by homicides is related to social determinants, an ecological study with emphasis on spatial analysis was conducted in the city of Fortaleza. Social, economic, demographic and sanitation data, as well as information regarding years of potential life lost, and Human Development Index were collected.