The Influence of Social Media Use on Homicide Rates in Jamaica (1970–2024): A Quantitative Analysis
Paul Andrew Bourne, PhD, Vocational Training Development Institute, Jamaica, West Indies
International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Bulletin | Page 01 to 25
Abstract
This study examines the influence of social media on homicide rates in Jamaica from 1970 to 2024, integrating socio-economic and structural determinants using both Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average with Exogenous variables (ARIMAX) models. Analysis of secondary data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, and DataReportal reveals that homicide rates increased from 21.5 per 100,000 in the 1970s to 52.1 per 100,000 in 2020–2024, coinciding with social media adoption rising from 12% to 82% after 2000. OLS results indicate a significant positive association between social media and homicide (β = 0.541, p < 0.001), while ARIMAX results (β = 0.080, p = 0.071) suggest that temporal and structural factors moderate this effect. GDP per capita and firearm prevalence also demonstrate positive associations, reflecting the interaction between economic growth, access to lethal means, and digital engagement. Youth populations appear particularly susceptible, consistent with Social Disorganisation and Routine Activities theoretical frameworks, highlighting the interplay of online exposure, community fragmentation, and opportunity creation for violence. Comparative international analysis indicates that Jamaica’s patterns are consistent with global trends, wherein social media amplifies rather than independently drives crime, particularly in contexts of inequality and weak institutional capacity. The findings underscore the need for integrated interventions combining digital literacy, community mobilisation, firearm regulation, and socio-economic policies to mitigate homicide.
Keywords: Jamaica, social media, homicide, youth violence, structural factors, ARIMAX
Sustainable Unburned Bricks Made from Industrial Waste and Construction Demolition
SELVAPRIYA R, MUTHAYAMMAL ENGINEERING COLLEGE
International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Bulletin | Page 01 to 12
Abstract
A few environmentally friendly substitutes for burnt clay bricks are FaL-G bricks, fly ash bricks, and geopolymer bricks. Fly ash, sand, and lime are the ingredients of an atypical fly ash brick. It has recently been discovered that powdered construction demolition waste (CDW) has strong pozzolanic properties and can be used as a substitute for cementitious materials like fly ash. WasteFoundrySand’s (WFS) appropriate silica concentration, as determined by chemical analysis, making it a potential replacement for quarry dust and river sand, saving natural resources used in building. Waste marble powder (WMP) from marble rock quarries has a significant proportion of calcium oxide (CaO), which makes it a potential substitute for lime in the production of unburned bricks. Therefore, fly ash, powdered CDW, WFS, WMP, and lime are used in this study to create unburned bricks. The results of this study’s Strength Activity Index (SAI) test showed that CDW and WFS lacked pozzolanic activity. To determine the ideal amount of CDW, WFS, and WMP in the production of unburned bricks, an experimental investigation was carried out. The results indicate that CDW can be added about 10–20%, WMP can be added up to 15% to replace lime, and WFS can be added up to 20% (i.e., it can fully replace river sand and M sand in the production of unburned bricks). The mixture of 60% FA, 15% WMP, 20% WFS, and 5% lime had a 9.13 MPa compressive strength. Strength of 7.29MPa was obtained by adding 10% of CDW as filler to the mix CD10FC50WM5. By using less cement, lime, and sand, the addition of WMP, CDW, and WFS will make the production of unburned bricks sustainable and environmentally benign.
Keywords: Construction demolition wastes (CDW); Waste Marble Powder (WMP); Waste Foundry Sand (WFS); Strength Activity Index (SAI).
Demographic and Epidemiological Trends in Mortality in Jamaica, 1970–2024: A Comparative Analysis with Global Patterns
Paul Andrew Bourne, PhD, Vocational Training Development Institute, Jamaica, WI
International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Bulletin | Page 01 to 33
Abstract
This study examines the demographic profile of mortality in Jamaica from 1970 to 2024, analysing trends across age, sex, urban–rural location, and cause of death. Using secondary data from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN), the World Bank, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the United Nations Population Division, the study presents a longitudinal analysis spanning five decades. Crude death rates in Jamaica declined from 8.47 per 1,000 in 1970 to 7.75 in 2024, reflecting overall improvements in public health infrastructure, sanitation, and healthcare access. Life expectancy increased from 69.0 to 75.0 years, while infant and under-five mortality rates fell dramatically from 40.0 and 55.0 per 1,000 live births in 1970 to 10.48 and 12.8 per 1,000 live births, respectively, indicating substantial progress in child health. Age-specific mortality decreased sharply among children, moderately among adults, and remained higher among older people, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Genderspecific analysis revealed persistently higher male mortality compared to females, while urban populations exhibited slightly higher mortality than rural counterparts, indicating disparities in risk exposure and healthcare access. Epidemiological transition was evident, with infectious disease mortality declining significantly and non-communicable diseases emerging as the leading cause of death. External causes, including violence and accidents, remained relatively high, particularly among younger adults. Comparative analysis with global trends shows that Jamaica outperforms global averages in life expectancy and child survival, but faces challenges with non-communicable and external cause mortality. These findings underscore the effectiveness of Jamaica’s public health policies while highlighting areas requiring targeted interventions and sustained health system investments.
Keywords: mortality, Jamaica, life expectancy, infant mortality, non-communicable diseases, epidemiological transition, global comparison