Lunar cycle in homicides: a population-based time series study in Finland.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To test whether homicides in Finland vary according to moon phases.

Design

A time series study.

Setting

Finland.

Participants

6808 homicides committed in 1961-2014.

Outcome

Daily numbers of homicides.

Method

The daily numbers of homicides were related to eight moon phases and the illuminated percentage of the moon disc using negative binomial regression. To identify lunar patterns, piecewise linear terms of lunar days were used, together with changes from one moon phase to another. Homicides were similarly regressed on quintiles of the illuminated percentage of the moon disc. A periodic term of length 29.53 days was included to detect cyclic patterns. The results were adjusted for sex, age, secular trend, distance from the moon, seasons,

SUBMITTER: Nayha S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6340448 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature