Keywords
Homicide
Honduras
Mortality
Death
Violence
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction: Honduras has experienced a sustained reduction in the homicide rate over the past decade; however, it is important to determine whether this decline has been homogeneous across the territory. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted using anonymized homicide records from the National Observatory of Violence (2013–2023). Age standardized rates per 100,000 population were calculated and stratified by sex, department, and mechanism of homicide. Temporal trends were assessed using Joinpoint regression to estimate the annual percent change in homicide rates. Results: The age- and sex-standardized homicide rate in 2013 was 85.1 per 100,000 inhabitants and decreased to 34.9 in 2023. The reduction in the homicide rate was not homogeneous at the departmental level. Francisco Morazán, Cortés, Atlántida, and Yoro showed decreasing trends, whereas Olancho, Choluteca, Colón, Islas de la Bahía, La Paz, and El Paraíso exhibited stationary trends. Only Intibucá showed an increasing trend. Conclusion: Honduras reported a historic decline in the homicide rate between 2013 and 2023; however, this reduction was heterogeneous across the territory. The persistence of stationary trends in some departments highlights the need to strengthen targeted interventions and optimize crime control strategies to achieve a more balanced national impact.
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