Changing Patterns in Digestive Diseases Mortality in Urban and Rural Areas — China, 1987–2021

   A new groundbreaking study sheds light on the dynamic trends in non-infectious, non-cancerous digestive disease mortality in China from 1987 to 2021. The comprehensive research draws from the China Health Statistics Yearbook, reviewing mortality rates across urban and rural landscapes and dissecting the data by age group, gender, and other demographic indicators. A notable discovery reveals a nationwide decline in digestive disease mortality, with rural areas making significant strides, closing the gap with urban centers thanks to healthcare improvements. However, there's a twist: a troubling uptick in digestive disease mortality among urban older adults raises concerns, outpacing rural figures. Whether it's liver disease, ulcers, or intestinal obstruction, this study uses robust methods like joinpoint analysis and age-period-cohort models to illustrate mortality trends and demographic disparities. The insights gleaned from this study are critical for shaping future health policies and interventions. Journalists exploring public health successes, the rural-urban health divide, and challenges in geriatric care will find a rich trove of information in this expansive 34-year analysis.

   For more information: https://weekly.chinacdc.cn/en/article/doi/10.46234/ccdcw2023.208

Changing Patterns of Mortality in Diabetes Mellitus Among Older Adults — China, 1987–2021

   A comprehensive new study conducted in China from 1987 to 2021 has unveiled a concerning climb in diabetes mellitus (DM) mortality rates among the elderly, with the prevalence soaring from 10.9% to 12.8% and an alarming 31.8% among older adults. This milestone research highlights the impact of an aging population on increasing DM mortality, spotlighting significant disparities between urban and rural areas. In rural areas, DM deaths skyrocketed from 1.96 to 8.52 per 100,000 people, while urban regions initially saw a rise followed by a decline, reflecting a narrowing gap between the demographics. The study's gender-based observations revealed men consistently experienced higher DM mortality than women across all locales. Figures from the Joinpoint Regression Software and age-period-cohort model analysis provided by the U.S. National Cancer Institute have brought to light the rural burden: mortality rates persistently growing, doubling the risk compared to urban counterparts. A startling cohort effect in rural zones shows DM mortality risk being highest for those born around 1957. This groundbreaking study spotlights an urgent call to action for policymakers to address these mortality trends and implement targeted interventions that can reduce the burgeoning DM impact, especially in China's aging and rural populations.

   For more information: https://weekly.chinacdc.cn/en/article/doi/10.46234/ccdcw2023.209

Urban-Rural Disparity in Mortality Patterns of Respiratory Diseases Among Older Adults — China, 1987–2021

   A recent study delves into the mortality rates caused by respiratory diseases (RDs) among the elderly in China over a period of 35 years. The study uncovers a significant decrease in RD mortality, yet finds no substantial change in the age-standardized mortality rate for pneumonia. Unveiling a decline in mortality among both urban and rural residents, and between genders, this research highlights the sustained resilience of pneumonia. Key findings include a notable decline in mortality rates for chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD) and remarkable improvements across all age groups, particularly among rural women aged 60 to 65. However, the data suggests a positive net-drift for pneumonia in urban males, signaling a challenging area for public health interventions. Utilizing data from the National Health Commission's death registration system and employing sophisticated statistical models, the study sheds light on the nuances of respiratory disease mortality. The outcomes suggest an urgent need for policymakers to focus on pneumonia prevention and treatment to further protect China's aging population. 

   For more information: https://weekly.chinacdc.cn/en/article/doi/10.46234/ccdcw2023.210

Transitions in Chronic Disease Mortality in China: Evidence and Implications

   In a stark shift over the last forty years, China has witnessed a change in its mortality landscape with the dominance of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) overtaking infectious diseases as the leading cause of death. The nation now grapples with chronic ailments—cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory disorders, and diabetes—fueled by lifestyle risk factors including smoking, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. The aging population accentuates this challenge, highlighting the rise in age-related conditions and falls among older adults. Injuries from road accidents remain stubbornly pervasive in terms of disability impact despite decreased frequency. New health data underscores the urgency for China to revamp its approach to chronic disease prevention and enhance primary healthcare systems. As chronic diseases escalate in prevalence and diabetes-related mortality steadfastly climbs, prioritization of treatment plans and resource allocation for healthcare is critical. This transition reflects broader socio-economic changes and requires immediate attention to mitigate ongoing and future public health crises. We urge health correspondents and policy journalists to delve into China's evolving health dilemma, where the fight against yesterday's infectious diseases has given way to today's battle against the chronic conditions of modernity.

   For more information: https://weekly.chinacdc.cn/en/article/doi/10.46234/ccdcw2023.211