Citation

Hernandez Bringas HH. Demos 1990; (3): 13-14.

Vernacular Title

Muertes violentas han aumentado 150 percent en 25 anos.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1990, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12158089

Abstract

Since the late 1970s, degenerative diseases and violence have replaced infectious and contagious diseases as the principal causes of death in Mexico. The number of violent deaths increased by 150% between 1950 and 1986, while the total number of deaths did not change substantially. Violent deaths accounted for 5.5% of all deaths in 1950 and nearly 15% in 1986. Violent death explains a large part of the excess mortality of males in contemporary western societies. Over 80% of the violent deaths in Mexico between 1950-86 were in men, although the share of women has increased slightly. The highest percentages of violent deaths in males occurred between the ages of 15 and 30 years, and 70% occurred between ages 15 and 49. Among females, some 20% of violent deaths occurred before age 10. Homicide rates declined significantly during 1950-86 but are still high. Motor vehicle and transportation accidents increased sharply, with the increase greater among women. The five Mexican states with the highest homicide rates in the mid-1980s were among the least urbanized, while 5 of the 10 with the lowest homicide rates were among the most urbanized. Suicide rates are generally very low in Mexico compared to those of more developed countries.

Language: es