Incidence and prevalence of gout in Eastern China from 2011 to 2021: a retrospective population-based study

To characterize the burden of gout by estimating the temporal trends in prevalence and incidence, and assessing age- and gender-specific patterns in Yinzhou, Ningbo, China (2011-2021).

A population-based retrospective study was conducted using the Yinzhou Regional Health Information Platform. Poisson regression estimated the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for prevalence and incidence rates, and relative risks for both rates across subgroups. Age-standardized incidence (ASIR) and prevalence rates (ASPR) were calculated based on China's 2020 census. The average annual percent changes (AAPCs) of standardized rates were calculated to estimate the secular trends using joinpoint regression analysis.

Of the over 1.1 million resident adults, 23,967 gout cases were identified over an eleven-year period. The total incidence and prevalence rates from 2011 to 2021 were 211.29 (95% CI: 208.28-214.33)/100,000 person-years and 2.16% (95% CI: 2.13% to 2.19%), respectively. The incidence and prevalence rates of gout was more than twice as heavy in men than women, and exhibited a rising tendency with advancing age, particularly for elderly men. Additionally, lower education attainment, obesity, and unfavorable lifestyle contributed significantly to the burden of gout. ASIR (AAPC: 5.37, 95% CI: 0.30-10.70) and ASPR (AAPC: 7.75, 95% CI: 6.29-9.23) increased significantly over the 11-year period, though ASIR in women remained stable.

The incidence and prevalence of gout increased over time, showing age- and gender-specific patterns. The healthcare authorities need to focus on the burden of gout and guide targeted prevention and treatment strategies for gout.