Related Experiment Videos
Trends in asthma mortality in Taiwan, 1981-2000
Lu-Cheng Kuo1, Wen-Yi Shau, Pan-Chyr Yang
1Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei.
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan Yi Zhi
|October 22, 2003
Summary
Asthma mortality in Taiwan significantly decreased by over 40% between 1981 and 2000. This decline was most pronounced in adults over 35 years old.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Asthma prevalence and mortality have risen globally over the past two decades.
- Understanding national trends is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze temporal trends in asthma mortality in Taiwan.
- To examine asthma mortality rates from 1981 to 2000.
Main Methods:
- Utilized National Health Statistics from Taiwan.
- Identified asthma (ICD-9 code 493) as the underlying cause of death.
- Calculated age-specific and age-adjusted mortality rates.
Main Results:
- Crude asthma mortality decreased from 8.17 to 4.53 per 100,000 population.
- Age-adjusted mortality dropped from 8.17 to 2.37 per 100,000.
- The most significant reductions were observed in individuals over 35 years old.
Conclusions:
- Asthma mortality in Taiwan showed a consistent downward trend over the 20-year study period.
- The decline in asthma deaths was particularly evident in older adult age groups.