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Homicide is the Leading Cause of Death in Children and Adolescents in Mexico
15 Pages Posted: 16 Oct 2023
More...Abstract
Methods: We identified the ten leading causes of death in the Mexican population aged one to 19 from 2000 to 2021. Data from Mexico were extracted from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography. Comparisons were made with the United States (US) and Brazil.
Findings: Homicide emerged as the leading cause of death in the Mexican 1-19-year-old population in 2021 (6·6 deaths per 100,000 people), marking a 97% increase since 2000. This trend closely parallels deaths resulting from firearm-related injuries in both Mexico and the US. Violent deaths are particularly frequent in males (10·2 per 100,000 vs. 2.5 in females). The second to fifth leading causes of death were malignant neoplasms, transport accidents, congenital anomalies, and other non-intentional injuries. Suicide ranked sixth, with a rate of 2·7 deaths per 100,000 people in 2021 - reflecting an 85% increase compared to the rate in 2000. Over the past 21 years, Mexico has reduced deaths by lower respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, and malnutrition. In the US, mortality due to cancer, motor vehicle crashes, and congenital anomalies have decreased, but there was a 250% rise in deaths from drug overdose during the study period. Conversely, Brazil had a 62% decrease in suicide since 2000, while deaths from diarrheal diseases have increased by 268%.
Interpretation: To abate pediatric mortality, Mexico and the US need aggressive policies to reduce violence and provide mental health and addiction prevention care. Successful policies to reduce suicide in Brazil should be further analyzed.
Funding: This study did not receive any funding.
Declaration of Interest: We declare no competing interests.
Keywords: Cause of Death, Mexico, Children, Adolescents, Homicide, Suicide
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation