Mortality Trends of Non-Malignant Skin Diseases in Canada: A Statistics Canada Analysis, 2000 to 2023

The epidemiology of non-malignant-as opposed to malignant-skin diseases is frequently overlooked. Contemporary literature suggests there is a high economic burden and risk of health complications of non-malignant skin diseases, which warrants further study. In contrast to the United States, Canada is particularly devoid of research in this area.

This study aimed to explore the national trends in the mortality rates for non-malignant skin diseases (ICD L00-L98) in the Canadian context from 2000 to 2023.

A population-level ecological analysis was conducted using publicly available mortality data from Statistics Canada's Vital Statistics-Death Database. Crude and age-adjusted mortality rates were calculated, and a subsequent Joinpoint regression analysis identified significant inflection points in temporal trends. Annual percent change (APC) was also computed to quantify and delineate fluctuations over time.

Across the aggregate of non-malignant skin conditions, there was a net rise in the mortality rates from 2000 (1.00/100 000) to 2023 (2.50/100 000). An inflection point occurred in 2006; the mortality rates shifted from an initial non-significant decline (APC = -3.84%; P = .040) to a sharp rise (APC = 4.09%; P < .001). Mortality rates did not substantially vary by gender.

This study examined the trends in mortality rates of non-malignant dermatological mortality trends in the Canadian context, noting an overall increase in mortality rates over time. These findings underscore the significance of mortality attributable to non-neoplastic skin diseases with regard to clinical care and future policy interventions.