Analysis of Rheumatic Heart Disease Mortality in the Chinese Population: A JoinPoint and Age-Period-Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Cardiovascular Disease Research

Background:

• Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains a significant public health concern globally.
• Understanding mortality trends and influencing factors is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze RHD mortality trends in China's urban and rural populations.
• To investigate the influence of age, period, and cohort effects on RHD mortality.

Main Methods:

• Utilized mortality data from the China Health Statistics Yearbook (2006-2020).
• Calculated crude and age-adjusted RHD mortality rates.
• Employed JoinPoint regression and age-period-cohort models to assess trends and effects.

Main Results:

• Overall RHD standardized mortality showed a declining trend from 2006 to 2020.
• Higher RHD mortality rates were observed in rural areas, among females, and in the elderly population (over 60).
• Age and cohort effects significantly influenced RHD mortality, with age effect increasing and cohort effect decreasing over time; period effect was not significant.

Conclusions:

• China has made progress in reducing RHD mortality, yet age remains a critical risk factor.
• Age and cohort effects are primary drivers of RHD mortality risk in China, underscoring the need for age-specific prevention and management strategies.