Disease composition analysis of elderly patients in a tertiary hospital: A cross-sectional study

This study analyzes the disease composition and distribution characteristics of elderly hospitalized patients. Data were extracted from the first page of the discharge records of patients aged ≥ 65 years who were admitted to the hospital information system between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024. Statistical Product and Service Solutions was used to analyze disease composition across different sexes and age groups. From 2020 to 2024, the elderly inpatient population was predominantly affected by cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, with the top 3 conditions being cerebral infarction (16.00%), angina pectoris (12.27%), and other medical care (8.70%). The proportion of cardiovascular diseases, such as cerebral infarction and cerebral hemorrhage, was significantly higher in men than in women, whereas angina pectoris, cholelithiasis, and type II diabetes mellitus were more prevalent in women than in men. Chronic diseases dominate the disease composition among elderly patients, with notable differences observed across sex. Tailored health education programs for different genders and age groups should be developed to optimize the allocation of regional medical resources and enhance the quality of healthcare services for older people.