Youth homicide in Mexico and its impact in male life expectancy: Geographical variations and associated factors

Abstract

This study analyzes the impact of homicide in youth (between 15 and 29 years of age) on male life expectancy in Mexico and its 32 states in the periods 2004-2006 and 2014-2016, and identifies the factors that best explain the variations in the years of male life expectancy lost (YMLEL) due to youth homicide at the state level in 2014-2016. Based on official data, male temporary life expectancy (MTLE) between 0 to 85 years of age and years of male life expectancy lost, in total and due to youth homicide, were calculated in each three-year period. Through a linear regression analysis, factors associated with the variations of the years of male life expectancy lost due to youth homicide among states were identified. The male temporary life expectancy decreased between the three-year periods in the country and in 25 states; years of male life expectancy lost due to youth homicide increased in 31 states, in eight of them with a figure higher than 0.5 years in 2014-2016 period. Factors such as the presence of drug trafficking, illegal firearms and the perception of insecurity explain the variations in the years of male life expectancy lost due to youth homicide within the Mexican states in the 2014-2016 period.