Conducta violenta en adolescentes y sus costos sociales y económicos en Colombia: un análisis espacial (2012-2016)

Violence has been one of the main problems in Colombia without knowing the trend of the different violent behaviors in adolescents (VBA), the direct costs for the state (DCS), the impact on the gross domestic product (IGDP), and the efficiency in its control. Methods: Between 2012-2016, a spatial analysis was made of the frequency of arrests for violent behaviors by adolescents, the DCS per VBA, its trend, and the efficiency in its control were quantified. Results: Homicides have been progressively decreasing in the country [rate 29,4 + 1,8 x105 inhabitants (2007-2011) to a rate 25.5 + 1.6 x105 inhabitants (2012-2016)] (reduction of 13.3%), meanwhile in adolescents, the behavior of the homicide rate showed an increase of 12% [1,76 + 0,10 x105 inhabitants (2007-2011) versus 2.0 + 0,12 x105 (2012-2016)]. The DCS for violent behaviors by adults had an erratic behavior (-2,24% to + 10,81%) (p <0.001), in adolescents, on the other hand, the impact on IGDP increased [0,193% (2012) to 0,227% (2016)] (p <0,0001). 52% of adolescent arrests were for homicide, 2,9% for domestic violence, and 1,6% for personal injury. Convictions in the adolescent accountability system were 1,6%. The highest frequency of VBA, DCS, and IGDP was in Valle del Cauca. Conclusion: In adolescents, the different forms of violent behavior, the direct costs to the state, and their impact on the gross domestic product increased significantly in the country with marked territorial differences.